Montessori
What is the Montessori Method?
Emphasis on child development during the preschool years is vital to the education and overall well-being of your child. Over a century ago, Italian physician, educator, and philosopher Maria Montessori realized this important notion. As she researched the intellectual development of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and advocated for children’s rights, Dr. Montessori established various theories of childhood education and child development. She emphasized notions that children learn through hands on activities and continuous encouragement, preschool years are a time of critical brain development, and parents should be partners in their children’s education. Dr. Montessori’s notions and theories were the foundation for what is referred to as the Montessori Method. This method is now accepted and implemented worldwide, as well in several San Diego private schools like Montessori Explorer.
The Montessori Method is a child-centered, individualized education program that focuses on hands-on alternative educational methods for children. It strongly encourages independence, responsibility, social interaction, observation skills, and participation in many types of activities. Activities involve the use of specialized objects that facilitate the use of all five senses in order to contribute to the overall development of a child and foster an interest and enjoyment of learning. Both the child and the teacher (commonly called the director or directress) play an important, unique role in the child’s development. The child learns, observes, and develops while self-directing his or her own activity. The teacher instigates and encourages the child while closely observing him or her. Teachers introduce children to various materials and activities then closely observe them while remaining accessible to each child. Teachers are discouraged to partake in traditional measurements of achievement such as grades and tests. Instead, children and parents are provided with valuable feedback. Generally, teachers provide a qualitative analysis of a child’s performance in the form of a list of skills, activities, and critical points or in the form of a narrative of the child’s achievements, strengths, and weaknesses.
Montessori Method Characteristics
A distinctive characteristic of the Montessori Method is adapting the child’s learning environment to his or her individual developmental level. The learning environment is divided into six major areas, each focusing on a different aspect of life and the respective skill sets and character building needed for the particular aspect. The six major areas include practical life, sensorial, language arts, mathematics, cultural, and science. Children are encouraged to participate in all areas, but move along at their own pace.
To simplify the Method, it can be said that it focuses on three main components:
- The Child
- The Environment
- The Teacher – also known as the Director or Directress
The child should be in his or her preschool years. Typically, preschool years encompass children ages 6 and below. While the method is primarily applied during a child’s preschool and elementary years; it can still be applied during the junior high and high school years.
A Positive Learning Environment
The learning environment is positive, non-threatening, and noncompetitive. It entails having a small class size, a well structured and stocked classroom, and a teacher. Often times, a teaching assistant will accompany the teacher in the classroom. Children choose their own work and work at their own pace. The classroom has specially designed materials that are simple, attractive, hands-on, and self correcting. The number of children in each class is small allowing the teacher to effectively work with each child, answer any and all questions, and initiate and foster an interest in learning.
The teacher is well trained having spent several hours learning and practicing the many basic Montessori-based lessons and passing difficult oral and written exams to become certified. A Montessori teacher is well-versed in multiple areas of education and development principles. Teachers introduce children to the learning environment and the special material and then observe each child closely. Teachers always remain accessible to the children.
Contact Montessori Explorer today to discuss options for your child at one of the best Montessori schools in San Diego. Child development is vital and you should begin proper education and fostering an enjoyment of learning at an early age. Fill out our convenient online contact form or call us today at 1-619-425-3300 to discuss Montessori Explorer opportunities for your child.