Montessori Philosophy
“Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.” Dr Maria Montessori
In 1907, Italian physician and educator Dr Maria Montessori opened her first classroom in Rome – the Casa dei Bambini or ‘Children’s House’. It was in this very classroom, after years of observations and experimentation with the learning environments, materials, and lessons, that the Montessori approach first proved its effectiveness. It was proven to transform students into critical thinking, independent, and well-balanced individuals. It is now estimated that the Montessori educational method is practiced in over 20,000 schools worldwide, educating students from birth to 18 years old.
Principles of Montessori Education
The Montessori notion is one of learning to balance responsibility with freedom of choice. It offers students the opportunity to realise their potential in a non-competitive environment and seeks to promote:
- Self-confidence and self-esteem
- A sense of achievement and self-worth
- A sense of responsibility for self and actions
- Independence and adaptability
- Cooperation and sense of community
- Respect for the rights and needs of others
- Initiative and self-motivation
- Concentration and persistence in completing a task.
The Key Montessori Principles
- Life education is based on respect and love for self, others and the environment
- Educating in the context of the whole child, taking into account the social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual aspects
- Developing human potential and making the connection between life and the universe
- Embracing home, school and the greater community as part of the educational approach
- Offering a learning environment of minimal interruptions and interferences
- Nurturing relationships that satisfy the true needs of the child.
The Three Key Components To An Optimal Montessori Working Environment:
- The Prepared Environment
- The Children
- The Adult.
What Is Exceptional About A Montessori Environment?
Montessori education is characterised by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits and respect for a child’s natural psychological development. The Association Montessori International cite the following elements as essential:
- Mixed-age classrooms
- Student choice of activity from within a prescribed range of options
- Uninterrupted blocks of work time
- A constructivism or ‘discovery’ model, where students learn concepts from working with materials rather than by direct instruction
- Specialised educational materials.
The Montessori Classroom
Dr Montessori called her teachers ‘Directress’ as they are there to guide your child’s natural development.
Practical Life
Montessori developed the Practical Life activities to teach children to take care of themselves and to take care of their environment. It gives children purposeful activity, developing motor control and coordination, independence, concentration, and a sense of responsibility. It lays the foundation for all other learning within the Nursery.
Sensorial
Montessori felt that this was the ideal time to give the children exercises which would enhance their senses. These activities help to develop seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling. These activities will help the children clarify, classify, and understand the world around them, and also prepare children indirectly for mathematics and language.
Language
Montessori believed that language is easily acquired during this period in a child’s life (0-6 years). From when the children first enter the Nursery their language development is encouraged and supported. The phonic approach to reading and writing is used and children gain a real enthusiasm for language in all its forms at their own pace.
Mathematics
Montessori demonstrated that if children have access to mathematical equipment in their early years they can easily and joyfully assimilate many facts and skills and therefore develop an early enthusiasm and a positive feeling for the world of mathematics.
Culture
Montessori believed that through culture we become thoroughly educated. She described the cultural curriculum as a seed, planted at an early age. History, Science, Ecology, Geography, Botany, Music, Movement and Art are all covered in this area.
