A
Peek Inside a Montessori Classroom
Montessori has been around for over
a hundred years. Created by Dr. Maria Montessori,
it is a method of education, which focuses on the
child as an individual. It is based on the cognitive,
behavioral, social, physical and emotional development
of the child. A Montessori classroom exists for the
development of the child at his/her own pace; it is
child-centered learning at its best.
As a baby explores his environment,
he touches, tastes, sees, hears and smells all that
is around him. This sensorial approach to learning
is also quite evident in the Montessori classroom
as children are encouraged to explore with teaching
materials - manipulating them - to obtain a full understanding
of the lesson being taught. Montessori answers all
those 'why' questions. It gives the answer to 'why?'
before the question needs to be asked.
top
Children are admitted to a Montessori
school throughout the school year. The new children
coming into the environment are given the benefit
of learning from the children who have already settled
into the classroom. Similarly, with the age groupings,
the older children act as mentors and they not only
pass on their experiences, but also learn how to be
gentle and considerate of the younger children. In
such a way, the children are not dependant on their
teachers. They are allowed and encouraged to problem-solve
amongst themselves.
In a Montessori classroom, the children
are given skills to succeed in this adult world. They
are shown how to use everyday items in order to complete
necessary tasks independently. The children are allowed
adequate time to master these tasks and commended
for their courage in attempting to do so. Children
often execute activities not for the end result, as
adults often do, but for the sheer joy of seeing the
process unfold.
A Montessori classroom is a social setting.
The children choose to either work independently or
with their peers. They find a harmonious balance between
social and academic pursuits. With this harmony, a
Montessori classroom is a place perfectly suited to
academic learning. The children's senses are refined
and they develop a sense of peace in working hard
and achieving success.
As you search for appropriate schooling
for your children, remember to visit your local Montessori
schools.
It's not an alternative to mainstream
education; it is what mainstream education should
be.
top
|
