What is it and how can teachers apply it? The montessori method What is it and how can teachers apply it?

What is this method? The Montessori Method is a child centered approach to teaching. It is based on hands on learning an collaborative play. Teachers offer age appropriate, guided activities. Children are encouraged to make their own creative choices in learning.

Who invented this method? Maria Montessori She opened her first school in Europe in 1907. She published the book The Montessori Method in 1910 The first Montessori school in the US opened in New York in 1911.

What are some ways the Montessori method differs from the traditional classroom? Materials Mixed age grouping Freedom Uninterrupted Work Periods Cooperation

Materials Montessori materials are often made of wood, metal and glass instead of plastic The materials are often self-correcting and hands-on. This encourages both physical and intellectual development. Examples of materials wooden blocks. Picture cards Prisms Sand paper letters

Mixed Age Grouping Montessori schools tend to group children into levels. This is typically an age range of around 3 years. This builds a sense of community. Allows older children to teach and mentor younger ones. Helps younger students to challenge themselves Helps level the playing field for students performing either above or below their peers.

Freedom The Montessori approach allows for different types of freedom in the classroom Freedom to move Children are allowed to move around the classroom as long as there is an educational purpose to their movement Freedom of Choice Children get to choose what they will work on, where they will work and how long they wish to work on it Freedom to Repeat Children are allowed to repeat a skill has many times as they wish until they have full mastery of it.

Uninterrupted Work Periods Children are allowed to work on projects without having to take breaks or switch subjects It is believed that this helps children to think of concepts more deeply The Montessori approach focuses on quality of work over quantity.

Cooperation Cooperation is emphasized over competition It is believed that more is accomplished together than is accomplished alone.

A quick video A Montessori Morning

How are these differences believed to benefit children? Encourage Respect Foster Independence Improved Internal Motivation

Encourage Respect Montessori teachers are trained to respect each child’s individuality by honoring the child’s decision The respect that is modeled by the teachers is imitated by the students.

Foster Independence The Montessori approach encourages students to trust their own skills and recognize their own gifts Allowing children the freedom to make mistakes helps foster independence. Mistakes are an excellent teacher

Improved Internal Motivation Montessori schools do not employ a rewards and punishment system. They rely on the logical consequences to the students actions as punishment or reward. This allows the students motivation to come from within instead of relying on outside tools.

Sources Rambusch, N.M & Stoops, J.A (2002) Finding the right school http://www.montessori.org Introduction to the Montessori Method (2016) http://www.amshq.org