The Montessori Method

 Maria Montessori was ahead of her time. Maria Montessori History  Age thirteen began to attend a boys' technical school. After seven years of engineering she began premed  1896 became a physician  University of Rome psychiatric clinic  Developed an interest in the treatment of special needs children  Several years, worked, wrote, and spoke on their behalf.

History (con’t) 1907 she was given the opportunity to study "normal" children. Invited to the USA by Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison Invited to the USA by Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison Spoke at Carnegie Hall, 1915 Set up a classroom of 21 children; Watched behind a glass wall for four months. Awarded two gold medals Twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize

Montessori Traditional Traditional Emphasis on cognitive and social development Multi-sensory materials for physical exploration Environment and method encourage self-discipline Mixed age grouping Teacher has unobtrusive role in classroom Child works as long as he wishes on chosen project Child spots own errors from feedback of material Emphasis on social development Emphasis on social development Fewer materials for sensory development Teacher is primary enforcer of discipline Same age grouping Teacher is center of classroom as "controller” Child is generally alotted specific time Voluntary parent involvment A Closer Look

A Closer Look (con’t) Montessori Traditional Traditional Mainly individual instruction Child chooses own work Child discovers own concepts from self teaching materials Child sets own learning pace Child reinforces own learning by internal feelings of success Child spots own errors from feedback of material Organized program for parents to understand the Montessori philosophy and participate in the learning process Group and individual instruction Curriculum is structured for the child Child usually assigned own chair; encouraged to participate Child is guided to concepts by the teacher Learning is reinforced externally by rewards Errors are usually pointed out by teacher Errors are usually pointed out by teacher

What I saw (and heard)…. Children engaged. –Reading –Building –Sorting –Writing –Exploring –Soothing music

Montessori Philosophy The elementary child, when allowed to work independently instead of being taught in groups led by a teacher, and in classes with a mixed age group of year-old students inspiring and teaching each other, masters academic subjects usually not taught until middle or high school (montessori.edu)

What I saw….. mastery.

Montessori Method 1940's, inspired by the amazing potential of children realized in the early years, Dr. Montessori stated that age three was too late to begin to support the work and development of children the Montessori Assistants to Infancy program was begun in Rome. This was a 3-year, full-time program which is still taught today in several countries (montessori.edu)

What I saw…. independence.

What I saw…..exploring.

Her Message Continues…. Her message to those who emulated her was always to turn one's attention to the child, to "follow the child". It is because of this basic ideology, and the observation guidelines left by her, that Dr. Montessori's ideas will never become obsolete (montessori.edu).

What I saw….children reading.

Essence of Montessori Not just mental Revealed only when the "Montessori method" is understood and followed. The child has choice, Practical work, Care of others, and the environment, High levels of concentration reached Work is respected and not interrupted Reveals a human being that is superior; Not only academically, but emotionally and spiritually, A child who cares deeply about other people and the world, and who works to discover a unique and individual way to contribute.

Children have a choice to learn and enjoy learning. What I saw……….

To Learn More…… Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori, John Chattin-Mcnichols Maria MontessoriJohn Chattin-McnicholsMaria MontessoriJohn Chattin-Mcnichols ISBN-13: Pub. Date: October 1995 ISBN-13: Pub. Date: October 1995 Montessori Method by Maria MontessoriMaria Montessori Publisher: Dover Publications Pub. Date: July 2002 ISBN-13:

Resources accquired 9/27/07 accquired 9/27/07 REPRINT and LINKING PERMISSION: Feel free to use this text on the Internet, for schools, college research papers, of any nonprofit educational purpose, or to link it to an Internet site. Reference: "By permission of The Michael Olaf Montessori Company, accquired 9/27/07 accquired 9/27/07 Montessori of Woodstock Canton Road (field trip 10/4/07) Winston, George. Autumn (1980). Windham Hill Records