The Montessori method
“If a system of education is to rise from a study of the individual student, it will have to come about in this way, that is, from the observations of free children who are watched and studied but not repressed”
Maria Montessori
The discovery of the child, p.21
The Montessori method seeks for children to learn and understand what they experience daily naturally and in a prepared environment where they can choose at their own pace, always having their own academic framework for each stage of their development; In addition, emphasis is placed on self-knowledge, social participation, emotional development and learning through cognitive structures that go from the concrete to the abstract.
The Montessori method offers the child opportunities to engage in interesting, freely chosen work that promotes long periods of concentration. Freedom develops within clear limits that allow children to coexist in the small society of the classroom.
Montessori education covers all educational levels providing an integrated curriculum.
Unlike other methods where learning is standardized through memorization and not understanding, the Montessori philosophy favors experimentation through daily practice that generates organic and meaningful learning.
Montessori materials
Children work with concrete materialsscientifically designed, which provide the keys to explore the world and to develop basic cognitive skills. The materials are designed so that the child canrecognize the mistake yourself (error control) and take responsibility for one's own learning.
The Montessori guide presents and offers children the material to work with independently, and it also has great benefits for developing skills.fine motor skills. The materials are presented to the childin sequence, from the easiest to the most difficult, according to your development needs and interests.
Montessori materials are designed to provide children with opportunities to discover the world around them, through independent learning,repetition and practice. Bring together all the learning toolsbased on the senses.
“The child gives us a beautiful lesson – that in order to form and maintain our intelligence, we must use our hands.”
Maria Montessori
The role of the guide
The adult should not be a static observer but not an authoritarian teacher, he is an observer and a guide; helps and encourages the child in all his endeavors. It allows you to act and think for yourself, helping you develop confidence and inner discipline.
The guide's work does not begin when the children enter school nor does it end when they leave, there is a lot of preparation involved.
In a Montessori classroom, educators serve as a link between the Prepared Environment and the children.
“Any useless help is an obstacle to the child's development.”
Maria Montessori
Websites of interest
To learn more about the Montessori Method, we recommend visiting the following links: