The fundamental principle of scientific pedagogy must be, indeed, the liberty of the pupil; –such liberty as shall permit a development of individual, spontaneous manifestations of the child’s nature. If a new and scientific pedagogy is to arise from the study of the individual, such study must occupy itself with the observation of free children.
-Maria Montessori, The Montessori Method
The Montessori Method, simply referred to as ‘the method’ by Montessori herself, is a culmination of Maria Montessori’s life work in studying, observing, and experimentation on the education of children.
Montessori’s education is unique as it is based on the observation of the child with key focul in child’s abilities and interests. The method advocates freedom of the child to explore and learn, mostly, through self-direction.
The Montessori philosophy nurtures child’s interests and encourages children to discover things by themselves.
The Montessori Method
Classroom. The Montessori classrooms are beautifully crafted into eight different parts : practical life, language, culture/geography, sensorial, math, science, and art. Montessori gives importance of learning through the senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell) and incorporated them into their materials. Chilren make choice of their learnings. They explore learnings in self and groups
Environment. Child is encouraged with independent learning.
Age Range. In Montessori classrooms you’ll find that children are grouped by a 3-year age range (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, etc). In class rooms the older children can help and lead the younger ones and the younger children are propelled on in their own learning by observing the older children.
Respect. The children learn to respect their environment, the materials, world, themselves, and others. Respect is incorporated into every aspect of the Montessori environment.
Order. Order plays an important aspect of a Montessori environment, because it allows the children to focus during times when they are experiencing rapid growth and development. The ordered environment allows the child to focus on their work and task they are interested, which in turn enables the child to absorb the experience and learn quickly.
Rewards & Punishments. Montessori method discourages any external rewards. Child is never punished or reprimanded.
The Montessori Teacher. The teacher never lectures. Her role is to inspire, demonstrate, and facilitate.
Presentations. The child’s interest, abilities decides the formal presentation. The care taker presents the activity in sequence, so as the child performs the activity as many times as he/she likes.
8 reasons why Montessori education is important for every child.
1. The child independence is the core:
Montessori education, makes children to choose what they want to and help them in doing whatever children desires. The philosophy of using this method is to work on belief and self confidence of the children. The pace of learning per child is always of prime importance. Child is given opportunities to gain independence in daily tasks.
2. No comparisons between children:
Montessori treats all children as equal and promotes co-learning and co-existence. Children are inspired to study and not compete.
3. Education based on observation:
Montessori education is based on observation. The format is learning via observing. This method is very commonly used for pre school children. If the child bangs drum is given, if they are pushing things they are given wagon to push.
4. “Teach by teaching, not by correcting”:
There are no note books with red corrections , the way we experienced in our school days. Children are never humiliated by being given low scores or red corrections. Teacher never criticizes children. The learning environment is of respect and emphasizes the development of self expression, true self reliance and agility.
5. No grades, no punishment:
Children do make mistake but unlike traditional schools , in Montessori children are never scolded or punished. Child is given practical work with teacher, it is always teaching by example. Children are quick learners through role plays.
6. Character education:
Children learn to respect each other and take care of themselves. Children see and learn cooking, cleaning, building, gardening, moving gracefully, speaking politely, being considerate and socializing. In Montessori, education of character is given top priority. The learning’s promotes social development through respectful, clear communication where child personality is hence groomed.
7. It compels the children to “think” without making it boring:
No mugging up, no more boring lessons. Classes are made to come alive through dance, drama, art and other interesting themes. Children are made to feel completely comfortable and take control of their environment. Child starts exploring and learning by discovering things. Children are given complete freedom to exercise their decisions. Thinking cap is always on.
8. Freedom to study the way the child wants:
All subjects are interlinked and never taught in isolation. A child can work on any montessori material he/she understands at any time.
The learning environment is made according to subject area, and children are free to move of staying fixed at their desks. At any one time in a day all subjects — math, language, science, history, geography, art, music, etc., will be being studied, at all levels.