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She called it a "Children's House," and
based the program on her observations that young children learn best in a
homelike setting, filled with developmentally appropriate materials that
provide experiences contributing to the growth of self-motivated,
independent learners.
Montessori's dynamic theories included such revolutionary premises as:
1. Children are to be respected as different from adults and as individuals
who are different from one another.
2. Children create themselves through purposeful activity.
3. The most important years for learning are from birth to age six.
4. Children possess unusual sensitivity and mental powers for absorbing and learning
from their environment, which includes people as well as materials.
She carried her message throughout the world, including the United States
as early as 1912. After an enthusiastic first response, interest in the U.S.
waned until a reintroduction of the method in the mid-1950's, followed by
the organization of the American Montessori Society in 1960.
How Does it Work?
Each Montessori class, from toddlers through high school, operates on the
principle of freedom within limits. Every program has its set of ground
rules which differs from age to age, but is always based on core Montessori
beliefs-respect for each other, and the environment.
Children are free to work at their own pace with materials
they have chosen, either alone or with others. The teacher relies on his or
her observations of the children to determine which new activities and
materials he may introduce to an individual child or to a small or large
group. The aim is to encourage active, self directed learning and to strike
a balance of individual mastery with small group collaboration within the
whole group community.
Montessori is a philosophy with the fundamental tenet that a
child learns best within a social environment which supports each
individual's unique development.
How is Creativity
Encouraged?
Creativity flourishes in an atmosphere of acceptance and trust. Montessorians recognize that each child, from toddler
to teenager, learns and expresses himself in a very individual way.
Music, art, storytelling, movement, and drama are part of every American
Montessori program, but there are other things particular to the Montessori
environment which encourage creative development:
many materials which stimulate interest and involvement; and emphasis on
the sensory aspect of experience; and the opportunity for both verbal and
non-verbal modes of learning.
How Can a
"Real" Montessori Classroom be Identified?
Since Montessori is a word in the public domain, it is possible for any
individual or institution to claim to be Montessori. An authentic
Montessori classroom must have these basic characteristics at all levels:
Teachers educated in the Montessori philosophy and methodology for
the age level they are teaching, who have the ability and dedication to put
the key concepts into practice
A partnership established with the family. The family is considered
an integral part of the individual's total development.
A multi-aged, multi-graded heterogeneous grouping of students.
A diverse set of Montessori materials, activities and experiences
which are designed to foster physical, intellectual, creative, and social
independence.
A schedule which allows large blocks of time to problem solve, to
see connections in knowledge and to create new ideas
What Happens When a
Child Leaves Montessori?
Montessori children are unusually adaptable. They have learned to work
independently and in groups. Since they've been encouraged to make
decisions from an early age, these children are problem solvers who can
make choices and manage their time well.
They have also been encouraged to exchange ideas and to
discuss their work freely with others and good communication skills ease the way in
new settings.
Research has shown that the best predictor of future success
is a sense of self esteem. Montessori programs, based on self-directed,
non-competitive activities, help children develop good self-images and the
confidence to face challenges and change with optimism.
Prepared by
AMERICAN MONTESSORI SOCIETY
281 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010
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