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Only through freedom and environmental experience is it practically possible for human development to occur.
-Dr. Maria Montessori
The Montessori Method is a child-centered, individualized approach to education. It was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian Physician and Scientist. She explored how children learn. Based on her observations of children's learning, she found that children learn best when allowed to explore. As a scientist, her use of observation is a key component of the method to train teachers to work with children.
The Montessori Method relies on special self-correcting materials that appeal to children because they are fun! Montessori materials challenge children to learn on many different levels. You can find these materials in every classroom area such as the sensorial, language, math, and cultural areas.
A triad exists between the trained adult (teacher), the environment, and the child. The teacher prepares the environment to meet the needs of the children. As the children interact with the materials in the environment, the teacher gains feedback about the needs of the children in the classroom. An enriching and stimulating environment allow for more individual needs to be met and to encourage independence in each child.
Another valuable tool is mixed age groups. In the Montessori primary classroom, there are usually children ages 2.5 2 to 6 years old. The older children, with their years of experience in the classroom, offer help to the younger children. Younger children love learning from their older peers.
A key facet of the Montessori Classroom is freedom of movement and choice. Freedom of movement is believed to enhance thinking and learning. Freedom of choice allows engagement in learning/not dependence on someone to tell you everything.
o Choice allows the freedom to discover their needs.
o Choice allows the freedom to discover their interests.
o Choice allows the freedom to explore their unique talents and abilities.
The Montessori Teacher
The Montessori Teacher
All lead teachers will be certified through a certified Montessori Accreditation Council Teacher Education (MACTE) certification program. MACTE certification ensures that the program follows Montessori standards for education. There are many schools who claim to follow the Montessori Method. They may have Montessori-like materials, but their teachers are not trained in the Montessori Method. Montessori teachers have credentials with certificates from the training center.
The Montessori Classroom Community
The Montessori Classroom Community
Montessori classrooms are composed of children from mixed age groups. The combination of different age groups allows for a dynamic interaction that benefits both the younger and the older child. Children engage in working in small groups,as well as, working individually. Cultivating a community of caring is essential for our classrooms. Everyone is held accountable for their actions as they learn that each person’s actions affect others in the classroom. Understanding how we are connected is an essential part of classroom dynamics.
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