Montessori Philosophy
• A view of children as competent beings capable of self-directed learning.
• Children learn in a distinctly different way from adults.
• A belief in the “absorbent mind”, that children from birth to age 6 possess limitless motivation to achieve competence within their environment and to perfect skills and understandings. This phenomenon is characterized by the young child’s capacity for repetition of activities within their sensitive periods.
• The child is auto-educated. The Montessori teacher does not teach, but rather provides experiences for the child to construct knowledge and mental images
• Children are masters of their environment, which has been specifically prepared for them to be comfortable, secure, and allow a maximum amount of independence.
History of Montessori
• Dr. Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori Method, graduated from the medical school of the University of Rome in 1896, and was the first woman to practice medicine in Italy.
• In her work at the University of Rome’s psychiatric clinic, Dr. Montessori developed an interest in the treatment of mentally-disable children for several years and became the director of a school for mentally-disabled children. After two years under her guidance, these children, who formerly had been considered in-educable, took a school examination along with normal children and passed successfully.
Montessori Classroom
• The Montessori classroom is a prepared environment that provides an atmosphere which is pleasant and attractive to allow children to learn at their own pace and interact with others in a natural and peaceful environment.
• The classrooms usually stock with nature shelves, living plants and small pets, or perhaps a window sill garden, allowing children to experience as much of the natural world as possible.
• The Montessori schools ideally adhere to the three-year age range of children to encourage an interactive social and learning environment. This system allows flexibility in learning pace and allowing older children to become teachers by sharing what they have learned.
Montessori Teacher
• The role of a Montessori teacher is one of guide and observer, whose ultimate goal is to intervene less and less as the child develops.
• The teacher builds a calm, orderly and joyful environment in the classroom and encourages the children in all their efforts, thus promoting self-confidence and discipline.
• With the younger children at each level, the teacher is more active, demonstrating the use of materials and presenting activities based on an assessment of the child’s needs.
Montessori Materials
• Every Montessori material has its place in the classroom and is self-contained and self-correcting.
• Every material is specific in design, conforming to exact dimensions, and each activity is designed to focus on a single skill, concept, or exercise.
• The materials initially used to allow the child to analyze sense impressions are also designed to improve fine motor coordination needed for writing.
• All materials are child-sized, clean, attractive and preferably made of natural materials such as glass or wood, rather than plastic.
• For example, sponges, brooms ,and dustpans are provided and accidents, including broken glassware, are treated as an opportunity for the children to demonstrate responsibility by cleaning up after themselves.