WHAT IS THE MONTESSORI METHOD The Montessori system of education is a very “scientific method”, which is invented by Dr. Maria Montessori who was a physician and a psychologist. Montessori education or system is not the education through play, it is a method of education through education that is based on the child's developmental needs for freedom within limits, as well as a carefully prepared environment which guarantees exposure to materials and experiences.
The concept of Montessori education is not meant only for the pre-nursery children, but it is a method that covers the whole developing period which is from 0-18 years.
Through this method, a new child is born, and with the new child a new teacher is also born which is called the “Directress”, who directs the child’s natural energies into constructive channels. The child develops intelligence as well as physical, and psychological abilities. It is designed to take full advantage of the child's desire to learn, and their unique ability to develop their own capabilities. The child needs adults to expose him to the possibilities of his life, but he must determine his response to those possibilities.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE MONTESSORI METHOD
· To normalize a child by providing an environment that trains all senses and improves his perceptions.
· To help him making a higher form of personality that remained concealed under the mask of deviation.
· To help and prepare the child to live a confident and independent life even as a child.
· To develop the sensitive periods of the “spiritual embryo”.
These children have free choices all day long. Life is based on choice, so they learn to make their own decisions. They must decide and choose for themselves all the time….They cannot learn through obedience to the commands of another.
----MARIA MONTESSORI (1989)
The child has a deep love and need for purposeful work. He works, however, not as an adult for completion of a job, but the sake of an activity itself. It is this activity which enables him to accomplish his most important goal- the development of himself: his mental, physical, and psychological powers.
Method of Attaining the Objectives:
The Montessori environment is set-up with specialized equipment to provide training in:-
BENEFITS OF THE
Maria Montessori saw much need for reform in the educational system of her day, just as we see the same need for reform in our educational system today. Her goal was to develop the whole personality of the child, and her system is based on a strong belief in the spontaneous working of the human intellect. Her three primary principles are observation, individual liberty, and preparation of the environment. These principles and their various practical expressions with children are gradually becoming part of our educational system. Modern kindergarten classrooms use child-sized furniture and didactic materials first introduced by Montessori. Such current concepts as individualized learning and readiness programs, manipulative learning, ungraded classes, combined age groups, team teaching, and open classrooms reflect many of Maria Montessori’s early insights.
Parents of young children in the 90's want to feel safe and secure when leaving their children in an environment that provides for all of their academic, social and emotional needs. A Montessori environment meets all of the above needs, but it also teaches children an "I can do it" attitude that will ensure future success in all aspects of their life. Below are some characteristics and benefits of the Montessori method:
The items found on the shelves in the classroom are "materials" rather than "toys." The children "work with the materials" rather than "play with the toys." This allows children to gain maximum benefit from the environment by giving them a sense of worth - the same sense of worth adults experience as they go to their jobs and do their "work".
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