THE MONTESSORI METHOD
Current research indicates that a child can learn naturally and happily as part of his/her normal growth. Teachers are sensitive to the fact that each child is a unique individual with different needs and aptitudes and each child progresses at different rates.
All early learning takes place initially through the senses. Given a prepared environment, the child will choose, from the varied and rich stimuli present, the tools necessary for his/her own natural growth. By working with the concrete Montessori materials and solving specific problems the child will reach comprehension.
Children are given ample time to work in the learning areas of their choosing, including practical life, art, sensorial, language and reading, math, geography, history, botany, zoology, and physical science. Teachers try to limit disruption of this work time because the chance to focus is so rarely experienced, but so helpful for a young child’s growth. The emphasis on respect for people and things that permeates all interactions also helps the children to develop self-control and good social skills.
All early learning takes place initially through the senses. Given a prepared environment, the child will choose, from the varied and rich stimuli present, the tools necessary for his/her own natural growth. By working with the concrete Montessori materials and solving specific problems the child will reach comprehension.
Children are given ample time to work in the learning areas of their choosing, including practical life, art, sensorial, language and reading, math, geography, history, botany, zoology, and physical science. Teachers try to limit disruption of this work time because the chance to focus is so rarely experienced, but so helpful for a young child’s growth. The emphasis on respect for people and things that permeates all interactions also helps the children to develop self-control and good social skills.
Children are encouraged to follow their natural desire for repetition and to ask for lessons on new activities as they feel ready. Those who are less aggressive about taking on new challenges are invited often to have a new lesson.
The Well-Trained Mind Montessori
