What is the Montessori method - in questions and answers

"NEVER CHALLENGE A CHILD IF HE BELIEVES THAT HE CAN TALK FOR HIMSELF"

MARIA MONTESSORI

Basic tenets of the Montessori method

The Montessori method is a uniquely engaging way of teaching that focuses on the individual needs and developmental pace of each child. The Montessori method promotes a child's active participation in the learning process, developing critical thinking skills, innovation and self-discipline. It is a holistic approach to education that enables each child to discover and develop his or her strengths.

The basic tenets of the Montessori method are:

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• Children's independence and autonomy: Children have the freedom to choose educational activities, which supports their development of independence and decision-making skills.
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• Prepared environment: The room is carefully prepared, containing specially designed educational materials that allow for exploration and experiential learning.
• Diversity of educational resources: Children have access to a variety of materials that develop diverse skills, such as math, language, nature, art or social studies.
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• Individualized learning: Teachers observe each child to tailor instruction to their individual needs and interests.
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• Freedom of Learning: Children are free to choose activities and can work independently or in a group, which encourages creativity and initiative.
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• Balance between work and play: The Montessori method integrates learning with play, which makes children engage in education in a natural and enjoyable way.
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• Hearing and Sight Development: Special Montessori materials help develop perceptual skills, which has implications for learning to read and write.
• The teacher's role as a guide: The teacher in the Montessori method acts as an observer, mentor and guide, supporting the child's development, but also leaving space for the child to explore and learn independently.
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• Social and ethical values: The Montessori method emphasizes a culture of respect, cooperation and empathy, which supports the child's social and emotional development.
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• Comprehensive Diverse Development: The Montessori Method strives for balanced emotional, intellectual, social and physical development of each child.
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PHOT. Illustration by Raquel Martin, taken from the book "Little Greats. Maria Montessori"

What is the Montessori method in practice?

A classroom, nursery or Montessori room (also Montessori nursery) is a carefully designed space equipped with a variety of educational materials and furniture that are tailored to the needs and interests of children. The furniture is low, with all toys within reach of the child, and chairs adjusted in weight to allow toddlers to move them independently. A locker room or closet is also an important space. The Montessori method places great emphasis on developing life skills, such as dressing independently, but also cleaning or cooking.

Children are free to choose which materials they want to use and in what order. They can work on specific tasks that capture their attention, which fosters their motivation and engagement.

In schools, classrooms, preschool groups, each child has the opportunity to work individually, which allows them to focus on their own skills and interests. The teacher observes and supports the development of each student according to his or her pace. Children also have the opportunity to cooperate with others. They can solve problems together, create projects together or exchange ideas, which develops social skills.

Popular teaching aids found in a Montessori room or hall are wooden and metal toys replicating real objects, wooden counting blocks, letter boards, animal models or globes. Thanks to them, children learn through experience and manipulation.

With a prepared environment and freedom of choice, children often work in a calm and focused manner, which promotes a deep understanding of the world.

Children have the opportunity to self-check and correct their work, which develops self-control and reflection skills.

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What does Montessori Preschool mean? How is it different from a "regular" kindergarten?

The Montessori preschool focuses on the child's activity and independence, allowing the child to develop on an individual basis. This approach emphasizes the development of each child's individual interests and talents.

From what age Montessori?

There is no wrong time to start with Montessori education. You can apply it from the time your child is born, designing him a perfect room tailored to the principles of this method, or you can start with a Montessori nursery or kindergarten inspired solely by the elements of this system. It all depends on you and the needs of all members of the family community.

You can make a total revolution using valuable guides to the Montessori world. These will certainly be books for parents, which you can find here -> Montessori books.

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We ourselves advocate the small steps method. Remember that the key is flexibility and adaptation to your child's individual needs. Montessori is not only a teaching method, but also a philosophy of life that is based on respect for the individuality and natural development of the child. Here is a checklist of steps you can take - one by one:

Friendly Environment

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• Create a dedicated corner for learning activities
• Create a Montessori closet
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• Get easy access to books
• Think of a solution like a kitchen helper
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Adapted Montessori Furniture

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• open, low shelves
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• chair and table to fit child's capabilities
• Montessori mattress

Offer Choice

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• "What do you want to do today?"
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• "What will we do today"
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• "You feel like cooking something"
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Support

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• Self-support
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• creative fun
• communication
• collaboration
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• focusing
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• patience
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Create a Routine

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• fix time for meals
• ritual for going to bed
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• clearly designate a time to play
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Furnish your home with the right aids and Montessori toys:

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• wooden blocks of various shapes and sizes
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• Wood puzzles with three dimensions
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• Toys for sorting and classifying (e.g., by colors)
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• Toys with different textures and materials (wood, fabric, cork, etc.)
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• Toy kitchen
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• Toy cleaning
• Musical instruments
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• soft plush animals
• Sensory bags with different materials
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• Water and plastic reaction experiment kits
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• Construction toys - wooden and metal
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• Sticks/Pebbles for sorting and counting
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• Animal figurines
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• handsets
• rocking boards
• skipping ropes
• outdoor play equipment

Why Montessori is an effective pedagogical method?

The Montessori method is effective because it emphasizes the active role of the child, removing boredom and pressure from the education system. Instead, each child's own pace of developing skills and interests is promoted. In addition, the Montessori method places a strong emphasis on social development.

Montessori toys at Noski Noski

FAQ:

Is Montessori for all children?

Although the Montessori method is suited to different types of learners, not every child will fit in. It's worth giving it a try by asking yourself whether we are providing the optimal conditions for a particular child.

From what age Montessori?

The Montessori method was intended to be dedicated to preschool children, that is, from about 2.5 to 6 years old. However, its principles have worked well at other stages of education, including working with seniors. It's never too late for Montessori.

Are there toys in a Montessori preschool?

Yes. There are plenty of interesting toys, including everyday objects and so-called Montessori teaching aids.