This teaching theory is based on the works of Maria Montessori, an Italian educator and physician who developed her own philosophy of education while working with children with mental challenges in the late 19th century and early 20th century.Maria Montessori believed children have a natural ability to learn and are capable of teaching themselves, a similar philosophy shared by most teaching methods. In a Montessori program there is child-accessible learning activities and material which engage the five senses and encourage self-discovery. For example, wooden blocks, textured letters, and rubber stamps are on a low open shelf in plain view.
The primary focus is on the process of learning itself. The classrooms are made up of multi-age grouping of children. For instance, kindergarten and first grade might be in the same class.
Education is based on the needs of the individual child rather than a grade-level. The teacher provides some direct instruction, but for the majority of the time serves as and observer and guide.
The teacher adapts the learning environment to the students' developmental level and provides specially designed child-size manipulatives.
You will find a practicallife skills center where children practice skills found in daily life. In younger grades, the children crack walnuts and pass the nut out to others. In older grades, the children might make meditation pillows and contribute to a community garden.
There is much individual choice and self-motivation, but also order and routine.
The teacher cultivates concentration, self-discipline, self-correcting, self-direction, and a love of learning.
(Two of my sons have had positive experiences in a Montessori School.)
Here are some resources to consider:
Teaching Montessori in the Home: The Preschool Years and Teaching
and
Teaching Montessori in the Home: The School Years
by Elizabeth Hainstock
Montessori Services: Supply Company
For Small Hands
Shiller Math
Return to Teaching Methods Main Page
A list of Curriculum
Homepage
