If you are a parent or teacher of kids or toddlers, you might have searched for the most effective and valuable methods of educating kids. While searching, there’s a big possibility that you have encountered the “Montessori method” for teaching or educating children.
Well, worry not as I will cover all the aspects and fundamental principles of the Montessori method. If you are a new or soon-to-be parent or whether you just want to know about it, this article is of great use for you. So, without wasting any time, let’s get right into it.
What is the Montessori method?
Montessori is a widely used effecting method of educating kids with self-directed activities, creative learning and collaborative play. This method is mainly used in early childhood and primary school education. Over 20,000 schools in British use this excellent pedagogy of educating kids.
The Montessori method was introduced by an Italian educator and doctor Maria Montessori. After impressive research on children and their behaviors, she introduced this pedagogy in the early years of the twentieth century.
Principles of Montessori:
There are five basic principles of the Montessori method.
Principle 1: Respect for the children
Montessori method chiefly circles around respecting children, their ideas and choices. In the early years of the twentieth century, children were not much respected. Therefore, the Montessori method majorly focuses on giving immense respect to children.
How can you respect children? That’s pretty simple. Respect to children can be practiced by:
- Not interfering with their concentration
- Giving them freedom of choices and thoughts
- Giving them the freedom to learn new things for themselves
- Giving them the freedom to do things of their choice
Moreover, the teacher should educate them to observe things without judgment and peaceful conflict resolution. The teacher should set a good example by respecting all kids equally.
Principle 2: The Absorbent Mind
Kids are thinking beings; they learn from each and every happening around them. This principle teaches and explains that kids are constantly learning and absorbing, through their senses, the world around them. Their mind constantly works to make sense of the things around them.
Principle 3: Sensitive Periods
The Montessori method described a constant age at which children are willing to learn and absorb the world around them. This specific age is known as “sensitive periods.” This period varies to the behavior and living habits of the kid. Through this effective teaching method, teachers should be capable of recognizing sensitive periods in each kid.
Principle 4: The Prepared Environment
The Montessori method suggests creating a collaborative environment for kids that encourages them to learn from themselves. Make sure to create a child-centered environment that lets children explore new things.
Principle 5: Auto Education
Auto education or self-education principle also promotes the urge in kids to educate themselves. Self-education is a significant part of the Montessori method. In this aspect, a teacher should focus on providing the environment, motivation, proper guidance, and generally push for children to educate themselves. The teacher must provide the necessary inspiration to let the child grow most effectively.