Montessori
Control the environment, not the child
The Montessori method of education was developed in Italy in the early 1900s by Dr. Maria Montessori. The core philosophy behind the method is that every child is unique, in comparison to adults as well as to other children, and that their individuality must be respected throughout the educational process. If placed in the proper environment, children will "normalize," which means that they will develop into whole, peaceful adults with a love of learning.
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Preparation of the Environment
The Montessori learning environment is referred to as the "prepared environment". It should be full of items with the highest artistic, scientific or cultural value. The space should be comfortable and designed to afford children the greatest possible independence. Generally, there’s no junk food, no computer and nothing broken or unclean. The intent is for the child to be completely free to develop mentally and emotionally in the environment.
Pay Close Attention
Observation is of vital importance to the Montessori method. Parents should carefully observe their child, in order to discover his or her unique needs and interests. This will help the parents to teach relevant lessons and suggest appropriate work. Children should always understand why a particular subject or concept is important to learn before they are taught anything.
Basic Principles
Here are a few of the other main tenets of the Montessori method:
- Repetition. Children need to be free to repeat an action as many times as they wish.
- Independence. Children are encouraged to make discoveries and solve problems on their own.
- Passion. Children will only learn subject matter that they care about. Anything that’s forced upon them will be forgotten.
- Do not disturb. When the child is concentrating on an activity, he or she shouldn’t be interrupted.
Criticisms of the Montessori Method
Some have criticized the Montessori method for leaving children too free and say that all the positive reinforcement provided by practitioners can make children soft and unprepared for the harsh realities that lie outside the classroom. Others have argued that it’s too restrictive and that children educated in a Montessori environment aren’t adequately socialized.
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I am absolutly excited ! My 3 year old daughter has been going to a Montessori School and is doing Cursive, knows all of the continents, some bones of the body, doing addition and is reading over 40 words. Her manners has totally improved almost automatictly.
Posted on 12/27/2009 2:03:00 PM by Anonymous
Have you heard of the PALS learning method which uses the basic principles mentioned above: repetition, independence, passion, and concentration? I've just recently discovered this method being used in Keyboard Town PALS Learn to Type software - which actually teaches little kids to type in one hour (!) using the cutting edge PALS learning system. There are no rote drills, just clever, associative lessons featuring colorful puppets and fun activities. Kids can learn at their own pace, which is often a LOT faster than you think, and can master proper keyboarding technique right from the start. Try out a model lesson like I did at www.keyboardtownpals.com - or get just in touch with them and they'll set you up with a limited access free try-out of their web based software. Once you try this learning to type program, you'll never want to subject your kids to the usual boring drills again. And you know what, the program works for adults too - it's never too late to learn new skills! I, for one, am looking forward to getting this software for my own next generation of home school scholars - my future grand kids!
Posted on 12/9/2009 11:52:00 AM by Anonymous
I am a local independent music teacher in Webster Groves, Missouri, teaching piano, guitar, trumpet and keyboard. I love teaching children and have openings for private lessons. I can be reached at 962-5324 or at AltmanB@sbcglobal.net. Rates are reasonable.
Posted on 9/26/2009 2:16:00 PM by Anonymous
How can I find out what my children (grades 2 and 4) should be learning in their Montessori school? What core learning materials should be present? I very much want to understand and be a part of the learning process and need to have access to more information other than just the school's info.
Posted on 9/10/2009 9:10:00 AM by Anonymous
I am so passionate about this system of learning and trying to introduce it in my country Sierra Leone, any help or advice?, thanks.
Posted on 8/24/2009 4:21:00 AM by Anonymous
Your comment by ANONYMOUS June 14 really worried me... this is written by a professional educator with a Master's Degree who several times writes about "Both my son's". YIKES!! I freak out if my grade 4 kids can't differentiate between possessive and plural...didn't anyone else see this?
Posted on 8/23/2009 10:01:00 PM by Anonymous
Hello
On Tuesday ,August 25,2009 I will sub.for a teacher at a nontessori class.I 'm very excited about this task,but just a little nervous about doing my best ,for the teacher that is out for the day.About 5 years ago,I attended a Community College,and one of my class was about Early Childhood 1040. I learned a lot,but forgot a few of the major lessons on Montessori.Please,help me to assure myself ,that I will be able to allow the students to accept my day with me.I need a few points. Thanks.
Posted on 8/22/2009 2:35:00 PM by Anonymous
I am now learning about the principles of Montessori Education and I am happy to find a high degree of resonance with my own personal ideas about educating young minds. I look forward to formal training in this area. I am extremely excited about a career in Montessori Teaching.
Posted on 8/11/2009 5:49:00 PM by Anonymous
I adore Montessori education. I was blessed to be able to attend a Montessori school from primary through 7th grade. I pray that I can afford to give my own children this wonderful experience.
My transition academically and socially to 7th-12th grade was very easy and I was consistently on the "honor roll." I truly loved both experiences. Being a part of the Montessori system gave me such a love of learning and a love for school, and into high school I carried all these benefits with me. I am grateful to have gone to a public high school for all the fun social outlets, clubs, sports, theater, etc. I truly had the best of both worlds. My husband, on the other hand (went through only public school) he hated school and dreaded everyday by high school. He was tired and exhausted with it and barely made it though. I hope that I can provide my children with the same of love of school that I had.
Posted on 7/22/2009 11:45:00 AM by Anonymous
I am a trained educator (Masters Degree), Montessori Teacher (both junior elem and advanced), and directed a Montessori school (5 yrs to sophomore in HS) for 10 years. Both my son's grew up in Montessori. Now I consult with Montessori schools and parents interested in Montessori, privately tutor using my materials and curriculum used in my school. I have studied many learning theories and worked in many settings: spec. edu from slower learners, ADHD, behavior, learning difficulties, talented and gifted; at risk inner city kids in Dallas, and regular Montessori students. I have found that Montessori is a great methodology and when done correctly give students an advantage academically in understanding concepts, organization and study skills, but most importantly in their attitude toward learning. Most of my students left our school 1 to 2 years above grade level, and were very successful in the schools that joined. Most importantly they had a love of learning. Both my son's went on to be very successful in traditional programs and I have gotten comments from teachers and professors about their independence and ability to focus (My oldest goes to a private univ in NYC and has consistently made the dean's list, my youngest goes to a math science, engineering early college high school is makes straight A's even while taking courses at a university.
Montessori is very complete and gives a great foundation.
Posted on 6/14/2009 2:41:00 PM by Anonymous
Am looking for any information on how I can get my 5 year old son into Montessori education near the Columbus, GA area. I can't homeschool him myself, but if there is any home-school type of co-op group, or alternative school that utilizes the Montessori philosophy anywhere near Coilumbus, GA, I'd love to find one.
Posted on 5/11/2009 3:16:00 PM by Anonymous
After reviewing this information it sounds like the kind of education I want my kids to have. Today I was visiting my kids school, as I do every week and I am so sadden to see the way some of the teachers talk to the kids. They are impatient and speak in a mean tone to some of the kids. What has happen to our public educations system? How can these behaviors be allowed? It is as if no one is watching. How do I go about home schooling?
Posted on 4/23/2009 1:45:00 PM by Anonymous
I was educated at one of the Montessori Elementary schools, and I can't believe that there are negative reviews of it. I strongly believe I was completely prepared to succeed in the world outside of Montessori when I graduated. The manipulatives are probably the best way to learn math. The setting that allows for freedom to repeat an activity until it is completely understood allows for children to really learn instead of being rushed to learn before they're ready to fully understand materials. I don't know of any better early education for a child.
Posted on 4/15/2009 12:09:00 AM by Anonymous
I am seeking access to the best and most reliable Montessori didactic materials,--Nienhuis materials. How is kidica.com connescted to Nienhuis materials as I was led to believe? Those on e-bay are not identified as Nienhuis.
an AMI trained Montessori teacher in Oregon
Posted on 3/23/2009 12:38:00 AM by Anonymous
Alcuin Montessori School, founded in 1961, the oldest chartered Montessori school in the Midwest, is located in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park and offers quality Montessori education from 12 months to 14 years. Many of our referrals come by word of mouth and we now have several second generation families at our school. More details are at www.alcuin.org.
Posted on 3/2/2009 4:43:00 PM by Anonymous
i'm interested in doin home schoolin under the montessori teaching but i dont know what i have to do to home school or gget the information to teach my son and he has disablity that keeps him behind in school the teacher refuses to help and school isnt helpin me out either if anyone knows what i can do pls help me ....determine mom
Posted on 2/24/2009 7:19:00 PM by Anonymous
Hello, I have three boys, 11, 6, 3 and I would like to know how to properly homeschool all three. Would they be together, or taught separately? How would I tailor the situation to benefit all three.
Thank you.
Posted on 2/12/2009 10:48:00 AM by Anonymous
I used to own a Montessori School that only taught preschool and kindergarten, including my 2 sons, who now are in public middle school. Over the last four years, I have been teaching in the public traditional schools, and see that the students who come from Montessori have a higher level of academics, love of learning, grace and courtesy, respect for the classroom rules and materials than the children who come from area daycare centers/traditional preschool settings. For tradionalist who say that Montessori kids are lacking in social skills is based on biases and is untrue. True socialization, is children who can communicate and work with all ages, where as in the Montessori classroom, the ages vary by 3 years. I am now leaving traditional education, to open another preschool/home-school Montessori school to serve young children and elementary age children who are in need of tutoring and /or may be home-schooled.
Posted on 2/7/2009 3:55:00 PM by Anonymous
hi, I homeschooled my son for 3 years. I don't know about him, but I enjoyed the experience and wish that I had homeschooled him longer. As a matter of fact, I wish that I had homeschooled his 2 older sisters. I am a private flute teacher also and was wondering if there is a possibility of teaching music in this type of environment. I will visit this site often for an answer. Thanks everyone.
Mary
Posted on 1/28/2009 4:58:00 PM by Anonymous
I am also interested to know if there is a Montessori Home School Program. If anyone out there is aware of such a program, please let us know. Thank you.
Posted on 1/13/2009 1:55:00 PM by Anonymous
I am interested to know if there is a Montessori Home School Program. My children are currently homeschooled with a public school curriculem that does not seem to foster their love for learning.
Posted on 12/6/2008 12:16:00 AM by Anonymous
Have owned and operated montessori schools for over 15 years. Children in this learning environment usually achieve much higher
in all areas. Our school records prove that many three and four years olds are reading and understand math concepts that many
first graders are working on in the public schools.
Posted on 11/13/2008 8:35:00 AM by Anonymous
I love the Montessori and my five year old is proof of how well it works. She is reading at a 3rd grade level and doing 2nd grade math. I am always amazed at how quickly she is learning and she loves it. I will either keep my children in the same school or bring the Montessori classroom in our home. I would reccommend a Montessori education to any parent who is unsure of the methods they use. Like I said, I love it!!!!!
Posted on 10/30/2008 11:10:00 PM by Anonymous
This is Amina Clow I was here since Pre-K thru 4th grade.I love this school!!!!
Posted on 10/22/2008 3:08:00 PM by Anonymous
I am a former montessori student. I attended from 4th-6th grade. I can tell you that it was such a unique experience, I still remember our activities & the different learning style. I was quite shy & really did come out of my shell thanks to the montessori I attended. I do wish; however, that I could have finished my primary education in a montessori school. I felt they were strict, only in a way that, as a child, you aim to please; therefore, behave/do what's expected to not disappoint. The positive encouragement really is a great motivator for children, and adults for that matter. Some people put a weird spin on it. It's not weird, it's cool! Jen E
Posted on 10/4/2008 1:09:00 AM by Anonymous
One thing for all prospective parents to keep in mind - Montessori is a philosophy, but it is also a learning/teaching style. An older child who has already learned how to learn in a traditional system and is not a self-starter will probably find a transition to Montessori difficult after the early years. Normalization takes longer as they must unlearn the school culture they've learned previously. This is why most Montessori schools restrict admissions for children in elementary grades who have not had a Montessori education previously. Montessori is appropriate for all learning styles, but not after being trained in classroom interactions in a traditional setting. Lynn G.
Posted on 9/25/2008 10:53:00 AM by Anonymous
i think the methed of learning in a montessori school is very helpful.
Posted on 9/20/2008 9:08:00 PM by Anonymous
im thinking of enrolling my child but i need more information shes 4 years old have you had open enrolling already i need more like prices etc teresa fleming
Posted on 9/8/2008 10:38:00 AM by Anonymous
I love the Montessori program for my 4 year old. She has attended two years now and we are frustrated because she misses the cut for for kindergarten by 11 days. I am looking at teaching her at home because of her love for learning. I think that overall the Montessori is a great program for most children. I do think that my middle child will not do as well in this type of enviroment and will need more structure. I think that parents need to look at each child and decide which program will fit them best.
Posted on 8/20/2008 2:28:00 AM by Anonymous
My daughters attended a Montessori preschool program in Plainfield, Vermont. I love it. The older one has crossed over and I am weeping over the fact that there is not yet a Montessori elementary school in Central Vermont.
My 4 year old is reading and my 6 year old is a math whiz. They love learning.
Posted on 7/24/2008 5:53:00 PM by Anonymous