What is Montessori?
The Montessori way of learning and teaching was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first Italian Female Medical Doctor, in the early 1900s. It’s a specific child-centered method of education that involves child-led activities, classrooms with children of varying ages and teachers who encourage independence among their pupils.
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Dr. Montessori believed that children learn better when they’re choosing what to learn, and that philosophy is present in Montessori classrooms today. A Montessori classroom likely looks different than what you’re used to.
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Montessori is an international philosophy of education based on scientific observation of how the child learns. This child-centred approach acknowledges the innate eagerness of the child to learn and acquire knowledge.
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It is a holistic approach to education which values all areas of the child’s development: physical, social, emotional and cognitive. Dr. Montessori used her training as a scientist and doctor to carefully observe children
and designed a school meant
to appeal to their nature, rather than fight it. She took away all of the preconceived notions of what a school should look like and designed the classroom and
materials based on what she observed about children in their natural state.
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A Montessori education becomes an education for life, it enthuses the child to learn and thus develop a life-long love of learning which will continue his whole life through.
The Fundamentals of Montessori
Here are 10 foundational principles of Montessori education to give you a better idea of what Montessori is, and
whether it may be right for your children:
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1. Experiential learning:
Children in Montessori schools learn by working with specially designed materials. Rather than memorizing math facts, they begin by counting and adding concrete materials. They use little objects and a set of wooden letters known as the movable alphabet to learn to read and write.
2. Mixed-age classrooms (Vertical Grouping):
Montessori classrooms include mixed ages and mixed skill-levels, generally divided into three year groups (e.g., 3-6 year olds, 6-9 year olds). Peer learning is encouraged as the little ones learn from observing their older friends and the older children solidify their knowledge and gain valuable leadership skills through giving lessons to the younger children.
3. Uninterrupted work period:
All authentic Montessori schools have long, uninterrupted work periods (generally 2-3 hours depending on age). This long time period allows children to engage with the materials deeply and reach intense concentration.
4. Academics
In addition to math, language, and science, Montessori schools include two other academic areas: practical life and sensorial.
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5. Role of the teacher
A Montessori teacher is sometimes referred to as a directress, rather than a teacher, and this reflects her non-
traditional role. A Montessori teacher’s job is to observe the children and introduce them to the academic materials at just the right lime. She is often generally working one-on-one with a child, rather than standing at the front of the room talking to the whole group.
6. Freedom within limits
The work in a Montessori school is child-directed. A teacher gives a child a lesson on a material he hasn’t used before, but the child can then independently choose to work on it when he pleases. Children in a Montessori classroom choose where to sit and what to work on, with guidance from a teacher.
7. Educating the whole child
Montessori focuses on educating the whole child, including physical, spiritual, social, mental and emotional education. This means that you might find a Montessori 3-year-old carefully walking on a line while carrying a glass of water, learning to control his body and his movements. You might find a child meditating or doing yoga while you see another practicing subtraction nearby. Each of these components is considered equally important.
8. Individualized curriculum
If a Montessori class has 25 different students, each of those 25 will be at a different academic level that is observed and tracked by the teacher. Rather than giving group lessons, Montessori teachers give one-on-one lessons to each student depending on his specific level and needs.
9. Prepared environment
Montessori classrooms are referred to as a “prepared environment.” This means that they are designed with everything the children need to explore and learn independently. They are filled with low shelves and beautiful materials to entice children to want to learn and work. Montessori classrooms are also far more minimalist than traditional classrooms, particularly for young children. They are full of muted colours and natural light to foster concentration. Everything in the classroom has a specific spot on a shelf where it belongs and the work is carefully organized to help children develop a sense of order.
10. Peace education
Maria Montessori lived during a time of world wars and global upheaval. Perhaps for this reason, she placed great
emphasis on peace education. She believed that the future of the world depended on us teaching our children the importance of peace and this belief is still reflected in Montessori schools today. Children learn about the world and also learn tools for calming themselves and conducting peaceful conflict resolution.
