Montessori is an educational philosophy based on the belief that a child flourishes in a warm, nurturing environment that supports each individual's unique development. Montessori education was founded by Dr Maria Montessori.
Who was Dr Maria Montessori?
Dr
Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an early 20th century Italian educator
and visionary. She became the first female doctor in Italy in
1896. Through her work with children, she developed a unique
educational method known as the Montessori method. Dr Montessori
was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times, in 1949, 1950 and
1951. Today in Montessori schools all over the world, her
teachings still lead the way for those of us who believe in the
overwhelming influence of the first six years of life.
What Makes Montessori Education Unique?
The "Whole Child" Approach
The primary goal of a Montessori program is to help each child reach their full potential in all areas of life. "The Whole Child Approach". Activities promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical co-ordination. The holistic curriculum, under the direction of a Montessorian, allows the child to experience the joy of learning, time to enjoy the process and ensure the development of self-esteem, and provide the experiences from which children create their knowledge. The learning is not just by listening but experiencing.
The "Prepared Environment"
In order for self-directed learning to take place, the whole learning environment - room, materials, and social climate - must satisfy the child's differing needs. The children work spontaneously in a prepared environment. Within limits, they are free to choose their own work, and work at their own pace, to move around and communicate with others in the classroom. The limits imposed are learning to use care with materials, to help other children, to show respect, be responsible and to co-operate. This enables each child to enjoy the freedom which is offered, whilst developing self discipline. Most importantly the environment prompts children, to take initiative in their own education by making choices, developing self-respect and learning accountability to others.
The Montessori Materials
Dr Montessori's observations of the kinds of activities that children enjoy and go back to repeatedly led her to design a number of multi-sensory, sequential and self-correcting materials. The materials are designed to help the child develop an understanding of concepts, not just memorization of facts.
The activities consist of a series of steps completed in a specific sequence. The movements are always from left to right and top to bottom, preparing children for reading, writing and arithmetic.
Self correcting exercises facilitate the child's independence. When children can easily remedy their own mistakes, the emotional frustration in learning and the need for teacher intrusion into the learning process is minimized.
The materials are designed to eliminate distractions by emphasizing only one aspect. For example, to learn about "length" students are given a set of wooden rods of uniform width and color that differ only in length. Materials are designed to build upon themselves from simple to complex, concrete to abstract.
The Teacher
Originally called a "Directress" the Montessori teacher does not teach in the traditional sense but is trained to introduce materials and guide the children when necessary. She is a role model, demonstrator and record keeper. A meticulous observer of each child's behaviour, she prepares the classroom environment as necessary to aid each child's growth.
Additional Resources
If you would like to read more about the Montessori approach, we suggest these books:
Montessori, M, The Absorbent Mind, (1949) Clio
Montessori, M, The Secret of Childhood, (1949) Sangam
Montessori, M, The Montessori Method, (1912) Kuperard
Standing EM, Maria Montessori Her Life & Work, (1988) Plume
Montessori Links
Association Montessori International
American Montessori Society
International Montessori Index
Montessori Centre International
" It is true, we cannot make a genius... We can only give each individual the chance to fulfill his potential possibilities to become an independent, secure, and balanced human being."
Maria Montessori
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