Brenda Kipkemoi Aug 30, 2021, 13:42 EAT
The Montessori Method is a style of teaching developed by Italian doctor and educator Maria Montessori. It focuses on five basic principles to teach children, particularly in early childhood education.
After extensive research with special needs children in the early twentieth century, Maria Montessori developed this education theory. Here, we explore the 5 principles of Montessori to educate anyone considering the system or those already in it to understand it better.
The 5 Principles of Montessori Learning
#1 Respect for the Child
The main idea of the Montessori Method is respect for children. This means respecting them by not interrupting their concentration and giving them choices to do things independently.
Teachers are a good example of this because they give freedom to make these decisions themselves, which gives students more independence from an early age.
#2 The Absorbent Mind
Montessori education is based on the principle that children constantly learn from their world through exploring it with all of their senses. They absorb information and then make sense of what happens through this process.
#3 Sensitive Periods
Montessori teaching believes children are ready to learn certain skills at different times. For example, they have sensitive periods for writing, during which time the child acquires these skills best and most easily.
This differs by the individual since Montessori doesn’t believe in teaching children using exactly the same principles or methods, but rather what’s best for them as individuals.
#4 Prepared Environments
The Montessori Method suggests that children learn best in an environment prepared to do things for themselves.
An always child-centred learning environment should promote freedom for children to explore materials of their choice. Teachers should prepare the learning environment by making materials available in an orderly fashion so children can independently access them.
#5 Self Education
The idea of self-education is one of the most important beliefs within Montessori education. A teacher’s role in this process involves providing a supportive environment, inspiration, guidance and encouragement.
So, What Is the Teacher’s Role?
Montessori education places the child at centre stage. The teachers are facilitators and guides in their learning rather than lecturers who insert themselves too much into the natural process of teaching children.
A Montessori teacher encourages learning by placing the pupils at the centre of their experience and providing appropriate materials. They also demonstrate activities to model for students, while providing support when the children need it.
Teachers in Montessori classrooms model respect for what children are doing, plan their activities around natural periods of interest (sensitive periods) and divert attention from inappropriate behaviour by gently correcting kids and giving kids something that interests them.
Teachers are also there to manage multi-age classrooms. Learning in a Montessori school is unique because it features multi-age classrooms.
With this approach, children of different ages are together learning new skills and concepts; they progress at their own pace instead of competing with classmates who might be more advanced or behind than them.
The Montessori Classroom
Maria Montessori believed that the Montessori classroom should provide the best possible learning environment. She believed that classroom setups could either positively or negatively impact a child’s self-education.
Thus, Montessori classroom setups facilitate and encourage learning. Practically speaking, this typically includes the following set up:
- Artwork displayed at children’s eye level
- Defined earning areas, with a place for everything
- Living plants
- Walls painted in neutral shades, with minimal objects and artworks displayed
- Quiet, calm, and uncluttered classrooms
- Resources that appeal to all the five senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing)
- Sufficient space for children to move in without disturbing others
- Sufficient storage for children to store project work and personal items
- The use of natural and real-life (rather than pretend) activities and materials
Is the Montessori System for My Child?
Montessori is an excellent educational environment for children with a variety of temperaments and learning styles.
Children who constantly need adult direction may have some initial difficulty transitioning into Montessori classes but typically learn to trust themselves over time. They strengthen their concentration and confidence with the self-guided independent work that comes along with Montessori education.
The Montessori program is also very organized. There’s a place for everything, and every person knows their role within the structure. This makes everyone feel safe and secure knowing they can’t get lost in this new world of learning.
If you’re interested in learning more about Montessori Education in Kericho, we invite you to call our school on 0719102497 or email school@kerichomontessori.com and book an appointment. We will discuss the program and whether it is suitable for your child’s unique needs during your consultation with us.
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Thanks!
Very useful to know! Thank you for this informative blog that explains the Montessori system.