What is Montessori?
In the early 1900’s, Dr. Maria Montessori developed this educational method based on her scientific observations on children’s behavior. With a solid knowledge of pedagogy, anthropology and psychiatry, she developed the idea that each child is born with a unique potential that must be exploited, because the kid is not just an „empty vase” waiting to be filled. Therefore, a self-education and self-growth method was born, enjoying worldwide recognition.
The Montessori pedagogical model puts the child at the center. Montessori children learn in a non-competitive environment that constantly supports them, this method being focused on the child's individuality and specific needs. The children are encouraged to work independently, at their own pace, the educator being able to work with each one individually or in smaller groups.
THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE MATERIALS IN A MONTESSORI CLASS
Dr. Montessori considered that in order for a child to make the most productive choices and to exercise control over the choices he makes, the environment must be specially designed to stimulate constructive activity on his part.
Being one of the ways in which this environment is prepared, the orderliness facilitates the child's concentration and his wish to choose. Montessori materials help children make the choice they want by being displayed on shelves at an age-appropriate height, on tables or mats (when used by other children).
The Montessori class is arranged by "areas", usually delimited by cabinets with low shelves. Each “area” contains materials specific to the respective subjects (art, music, mathematics, language, science etc.). The materials on the shelves aim to attract the child's interest and accumulate knowledge through repeated use. Most are made of wood, painted in primary colors or colors that attract the child's interest (eg the pink tower). Each material has a well-defined purpose and is desirable to be used exclusively for that purpose.
The materials that make up the curriculum are presented in a hierarchical sequence, and there is a complex connection with the materials from different other areas of the same curriculum.
