The Montessori Method of Education
The Montessori method of education was developed by Doctor Maria Montessori. It’s worldwide and has proven successful for more than 100 years. It offers a broad view of education as an aid and a preparation for life.
What’s most unique about Montessori is the prepared environment, which is also known as the Montessori classroom. Unlike the standard childcare centre, Montessori classrooms are filled with educational materials that link learning outcomes to children’s needs and interests at specific stages of their development.
Each material teaches a specific learning outcome that progressively builds children’s knowledge and skills. Through repetition and practice, children master the five areas of the Montessori Curriculum, which includes: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Culture.
The role of the Montessori educator within this space is to observe what children are drawn to, and introduce them to the materials that link to those interests, so learning is always purposeful and engaging.
The Montessori method of education therefore recognizes that children learn in different ways, and at different paces, and are met at the point of their need. Children here are provided with a learning environment where they have respect, independence, and the freedom to direct their own learning experience. This results in high levels of motivation and propels children to learn naturally and to do well.
How is Montessori Education Different from other methods?
- Personalized curriculum
- One-on-one lessons
- Flexibility in development
- Learning through hands-on experience
- All learning styles are addressed
- Children make choice and decisions
- Freedom of movement
- Montessori materials make abstract concepts concrete
The Montessori Curriculum
The Montessori Curriculum is a child-centred learning framework that incorporates the cognitive, physical, social and emotional aspects of child development. There are five key areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Cultural Studies. Each curriculum area includes a sequence of Montessori materials that isolate one learning outcome or skill. As children progress through the curriculum, they develop a complete understanding of each subject area.