What is the Montessori Method of education?
The Montessori Method of Education is basically a unique approach to learning. Rather than “teaching” the child concepts, the sets of designed activities and materials stimulate the child’s interest and facilitate his understanding and learning capacities spontaneously with little or no adult intervention.
Maria Montessori never set out to make a system of education. Rather, her methods of teaching evolved from her observations of the children in her care. She observed that the child absorbs from the environment she is in, and using specially designed materials she was able to call to the child’s inner desire to learn. These materials are presented in small groups, frequently on the floor, encouraging individual hands-on participation, and peer problem-solving dialogue. The child is allowed certain freedoms to be independent within the highly sequenced structure of the Montessori Method. Control of error is built into manipulative materials and charts, encouraging self-confidence and independence.
The Montessori Method of education is basically a unique approach to learning. Rather than “teaching” the child concepts, the environment is designed in such a way to expose her to materials and experiences through which she develops intellectual, as well as physical and psychological abilities. The prepared environment takes full advantage of the self-motivation and unique ability of the young child to develop her own capabilities–all with little or no adult intervention.
