WHAT IS THE MONTESSORI METHOD

 The Montessori system of education is a very “scientific method”, which is invented by Dr. Maria Montessori who was a physician and a psychologist. Montessori education or system is not the education through play, it is a method of education through education that is based on the child's developmental needs for freedom within limits, as well as a carefully prepared environment which guarantees exposure to materials and experiences.

The concept of Montessori education is not meant only for the pre-nursery children, but it is a method that covers the whole developing period which is from 0-18 years.

Through this method, a new child is born, and with the new child a new teacher is also born which is called the “Directress”, who directs the child’s natural energies into constructive channels. The child develops intelligence as well as physical, and psychological abilities.  It is designed to take full advantage of the child's desire to learn, and their unique ability to develop their own capabilities. The child needs adults to expose him to the possibilities of his life, but he must determine his response to those possibilities.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE MONTESSORI METHOD

·         To normalize a child by providing an environment that trains all senses and improves his perceptions.

·         To help him making a higher form of personality that remained concealed under the mask of deviation.

·         To help and prepare the child to live a confident and independent life even as a child.

·         To develop the sensitive periods of the “spiritual embryo”.

• To help a child to be respected as different from adults and as an individual who differs from each other.
• To provide the opportunity to do the purposeful movement and have a freedom of choice.

These children have free choices all day long. Life is based on choice, so they learn to make their own decisions. They must decide and choose for themselves all the time….They cannot learn through obedience to the commands of another.

----MARIA MONTESSORI (1989)

The child has a deep love and need for purposeful work. He works, however, not as an adult for completion of a job, but the sake of an activity itself. It is this activity which enables him to accomplish his most important goal- the development of himself: his mental, physical, and psychological powers.

Method of Attaining the Objectives:

The Montessori environment is set-up with specialized equipment to provide training in:-

• ·         Practical Life Exercises.
• ·         Sensorial Training.
• ·         Language.
• ·         Mathematical Exercises.
• ·         Cultural Subjects.

 BENEFITS OF THE
MONTESSORI METHOD

Maria Montessori saw much need for reform in the educational system of her day, just as we see the same need for reform in our educational system today. Her goal was to develop the whole personality of the child, and her system is based on a strong belief in the spontaneous working of the human intellect.  Her three primary principles are observation, individual liberty, and preparation of the environment. These principles and their various practical expressions with children are gradually becoming part of our educational system. Modern kindergarten classrooms use child-sized furniture and didactic materials first introduced by Montessori. Such current concepts as individualized learning and readiness programs, manipulative learning, ungraded classes, combined age groups, team teaching, and open classrooms reflect many of Maria Montessori’s early insights.

Parents of young children in the 90's want to feel safe and secure when leaving their children in an environment that provides for all of their academic, social and emotional needs. A Montessori environment meets all of the above needs, but it also teaches children an "I can do it" attitude that will ensure future success in all aspects of their life. Below are some characteristics and benefits of the Montessori method:

• Three year age span of children within the classroom - Older children teaching younger children, sense of community, builds self esteem.
• Self correcting materials within the environment - Children learn through their own errors to make the correct decision versus having the teacher point it out to them.
• Individual learning takes place within the environment - Montessori recognizes that each child learns at a different pace and allows that growth to take place.
• Children are quiet by choice and out of respect for others within the environment - The Montessori classroom allows children to return to the "inner peace" that is a natural part of their personalities.
• There is an emphasis on concrete learning rather than on abstract learning - Children need to experience concepts in concrete "hands on" ways.
• It is a child centered environment - All the materials are easily within the child's reach, placed on shelves at their levels. The tables and chairs are small enough for the children to sit comfortably while the pictures and decorations are placed at the children's eye level.
• The children work for the joy of working and the sense of discovery - Children are natural leaders or, "sponges”, and delight in learning new tasks. Their interests lie in the work itself rather than in the final product.
• The environment provides a natural sense of discipline - The "ground rules" or expectations of the child are clearly stated and are enforced by the children and the teachers.
• The environment is "prepared" for the children - Everything in the room has a specific place on the shelf. Children are orderly by nature and having the room set this way allows them to grow in a very positive way.
• The teacher plays a very unobtrusive role in the classroom - The children are not motivated by the teacher, but by the need for self development.

The items found on the shelves in the classroom are "materials" rather than "toys." The children "work with the materials" rather than "play with the toys." This allows children to gain maximum benefit from the environment by giving them a sense of worth - the same sense of worth adults experience as they go to their jobs and do their "work".