She based her method of teaching upon the
spontaneous interest of children in learning. Her ideas have
become valued worldwide and continue to influence mainstream
education.
Dr. Montessori realized that young children
should be fully stimulated during the most formative learning
period of their lives, from birth to six years of age. Speaking
about her methods she once commented; “The child’s
work is creating the person he will become.”
The Benefits
Children leave a Montessori program with strong fundamental
educational skills. Studies have shown that Montessori children
continue to excel throughout their academic years and develop
to their fullest potential.
The Environment
Montessori considered her emphasis on the environment a unique
element of her method. The “prepared environment”
is a place where the child can learn independence by doing
things for them-selves and provides a comfortable non-competitive
world in which to grow and learn.
Respect for others creates a co-operative
atmosphere. Children move around the room with all materials
within easy reach thus allowing freedom of choice.
Role of the Teacher
The role of the teacher is to guide each child, introducing
materials, and assisting where needed. An important task is
careful observation. This helps the teacher prepare the environment
with the child’s interest in mind. The teacher is constantly
alert to the direction in which the child is going, and actively
works to help the child achieve their goals. The Montessori
teacher facilitates the classroom activities, carefully planning
the environment, and helping progress from one activity to
the next. Montessori professionals are trained to deal with
each child individually. This is often called “following
the child”. A Montessori teacher often stands back while
the child is working, allowing them to gain satisfaction in
their own discoveries. Montessori tools promote motor skills
as well as development of the mind.
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