The Montessori Method
Children have an innate curiosity about the world. The Montessori Method encourages each child to embrace and explore the world we inhabit in a carefully-prepared environment. The classroom in the Montessori Method acts as a guide in itself. Children are exposed to materials and experiences that stimulate their intelligence and promote both physical and psychological development.
The Montessori classroom is equipped with didactic materials for every period of childhood development, beginning with the simple learning tools for toddler and then gradually moving on to more complex materials. Each material or “work” is designed to teach the child skills in one of the five key learning areas of the Montessori Method: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, or Culture.
With such a strong emphasis on learning through exploration rather than teaching in the Montessori classroom, the teacher becomes more of a guide during the work cycle. Our guides foster autonomy in the students by being available to assist and respond when needed, but also empowering the students’ to problem-solve on their own or together with their peers. We want to encourage independence which directly correlates with increased self-confidence in the child.
When it comes to discipline in a Montessori classroom, the guides encourage self-discipline of the child. Teaching self-discipline require patience, thoughtful attention, cooperation and a strong understanding for the developmental needs of each individual child. Guides are also trained to use positive language when it comes to redirecting their students. Rather than saying, “Don’t throw the rocks!” a Montessori guide may say, “The rocks live on the ground. If we throw them, they could hit a friend which would hurt very much.” Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the Montessori Method is instilling principles of kindness, compassion and respect.
Children have an innate curiosity about the world. The Montessori Method encourages each child to embrace and explore the world we inhabit in a carefully-prepared environment. The classroom in the Montessori Method acts as a guide in itself. Children are exposed to materials and experiences that stimulate their intelligence and promote both physical and psychological development.
The Montessori classroom is equipped with didactic materials for every period of childhood development, beginning with the simple learning tools for toddler and then gradually moving on to more complex materials. Each material or “work” is designed to teach the child skills in one of the five key learning areas of the Montessori Method: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, or Culture.
With such a strong emphasis on learning through exploration rather than teaching in the Montessori classroom, the teacher becomes more of a guide during the work cycle. Our guides foster autonomy in the students by being available to assist and respond when needed, but also empowering the students’ to problem-solve on their own or together with their peers. We want to encourage independence which directly correlates with increased self-confidence in the child.
When it comes to discipline in a Montessori classroom, the guides encourage self-discipline of the child. Teaching self-discipline require patience, thoughtful attention, cooperation and a strong understanding for the developmental needs of each individual child. Guides are also trained to use positive language when it comes to redirecting their students. Rather than saying, “Don’t throw the rocks!” a Montessori guide may say, “The rocks live on the ground. If we throw them, they could hit a friend which would hurt very much.” Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the Montessori Method is instilling principles of kindness, compassion and respect.