A typical Montessori classroom includes children of multiple age levels, adults who guide rather than direct, and a wide variety of materials and activities which are structured in a sequential manner to facilitate natural development and to communicate concepts.
The uniqueness of the the Montessori classroom is the principle of freedom within limits whilst showing respect for each other and the environment. The classroom is often quieter and calmer than a conventional nursery. Self-discipline is learned through the use of the wonderful activities available every day. Re-direction to purposeful activities which meet a need of that child and inspires him to intense concentration virtually eliminates the need for outward discipline.
Activities
Each child, at any time, selects individual activities which interest and engage them. They are free to work at their own pace either alone or with others, for as long as they like. One of Dr Montessori's basic tenets, is to never interrupt a child who is working well, concentrating and enjoying his activity. To disturb the child is stopping the child from ever increasing his attention span.
The activities a two - to - four year old chooses will help to develop concentration, co-ordination, self-discipline and good working habits, which are needed for the more advanced activities of the four - to - five year old. The classroom is specially prepared to ensure that each child is challenged with fun, aesthetically pleasing, and enriched activities.
The Teacher
Part of the Directress's (teacher) role is to see that the child is happy, nurtured, and that the environment is meeting the child's needs. Through her observations of the child, she can determine which new activities and materials may be introduced to an individual child or to a small or large group. The aim is to encourage active, self-directed learning. This will foster self-confidence and independence, which will serve your child well in the years to come.
Multi-age Groups
The multi-age grouping of children aged two to five in the nursery, provides a family-like group where learning can take place naturally in an atmosphere of co-operation rather than a competitive environment. More experienced children share what they have learnt whilst reinforcing their own learning. This leader role provides the older children with the opportunity to experience positive leadership and develop a strong sense of responsibility and self worth. Younger children are truly assisted by older children and inspired by their example. Being exposed to more advanced academic work of the older children, younger children experience "indirect lessons" and absorb information not yet presented to them. This peer group learning, intrinsic to Montessori, means there is often more conversation and language experiences than in the conventional early education settings. Social growth abounds as the children interact with each other on a daily basis whilst learning and at play.
Low Student to Teacher Ratio
With the advantage of 1 teacher or teachers assistant for every 5 children, the child is not hindered by the progress of other students in the classroom.
Classroom Design
Classrooms are arranged in study centers, with clusters of student-sized tables and open areas for floor work. Each study center is surrounded by shelves of materials and books pertaining to a particular area such as sensorial, language and mathematics. Children move about the classrooms and choose resources.
Positive Discipline Policy
Should a teacher find it necessary to intervene when children are interacting they may:
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Redirect a child to a new activity
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Remove them from the activity
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Discuss their feelings with other children and adults
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Ask a child to sit in a chair for a minute or two to gain self-control
" Concentration is the best gift we can give our children."
Maria Montessori
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