The Ultimate Montessori Blog

We, at the Indian Montessori Centre have been confronted with various questions with regard to the Montessori method of education, the freedom that is given to the child in the environment, the discipline and how he would adjust to the public schools etc.

For the benefit of those who are interested in the child, I have attempted to put down briefly what the Montessori method is.

1. Why should I send my child to preschool?

Most educators and psychologists today agree that the most important period in the development of a person’s intelligence occurs between birth and age five. A child’s mind is extremely absorbent and his curiosity is at a peak during these early years. When properly nourished and stimulated, the child’s mind forms patterns for learning that serve him well throughout his life. The Montessori system of preschool education has proven to be one of the most effective and fastest growing methods to guide a child through these critical years.

2. What is the difference between daycare and nursery schools?

Daycare centers are generally for the purpose of caring for children on an all day basis. Nursery schools are generally experiences in socialisation and play.

3. How is a Montessori preschool different from other preschools?

In most preschools the children are taught educational concepts in a group by a teacher. In a Montessori preschool the children learn concepts spontaneously as they work independently with the materials in the environment.

4. What is the Montessori method of education?

The Montessori method of education is basically a unique approach to learning. Rather than “teaching” the child concepts, an environment is designed to stimulate the child’s interest and facilitate his understanding and learning capacities spontaneously with little or no adult intervention.

5. What is the purpose of the Montessori method?

The main purpose of the Montessori method is to develop an environment where the child can unfold spontaneously and manifest the greater person within. As the child begins to develop this inner self, his love of life and learning expands.

6. Who started the Montessori method?

Dr. Maria Montessori developed this method of education. She was Italy’s first woman medical doctor. Using her scientific background, she began observing children in Rome. Based on her unbiased observations she developed unique materials, a child-centered environment, and was one of the first persons to revolutionize educational thought by stressing respect for the child, freedom of expression, self-education.

To know more about Dr. Maria Montessori click <a href=”http://indianmontessoricentre.org/tsep.0942/maria_bio/maria_01.php”>here</a>
7. What is a Montessori Classroom?

The Montessori classroom is a child-size world. What ever is in the world outside can be incorporated meaningfully in the Montessori classroom. To a child, the world is unmanageable-it is too big, too complex and too confusing. By careful selection of materials, an environment is set up that allows the child a place to explore life on a level he can understand. The materials or exercises are designed to stimulate independent exploration. This prepared environment entices the child to proceed at his own pace from simple activities to more complex ones. Through this process, the child’s natural curiosity is satisfied and he begins to experience the joy of discovering the world about him. Materials and curriculum center around Practical life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, Geography, History, Science, Art, Music, Drama and Dance.

8. How do children interact in the environment?

As the children develop their sense of pride in their “work”, a feeling of confidence, well being and joy begins to manifest itself in the child. A “New Child” is born. A classroom of Montessori children is a joy to watch. There seems to be a spirit of respect, love and cooperation among the children.

9. What is the role of the Montessori teacher?

The Montessori teacher is sometimes called a Directress because she facilitates the classroom activity. She carefully plans the environment in the interests of the children and she helps the children progress from one activity to the next. She is trained to deal with each child individually and in groups. She allows him to choose from many activities within his range of ability. She stands back while a child is working and allows him the satisfaction of his own discoveries.

10. With all the freedom, isn’t there confusion?

The concept of freedom in the classroom is a freedom within limits. A child is allowed to work freely so long as he does not disturbed others. Actually, the children having the freedom to follow their interests are generally happy and busily involved in their work.

11. What is the best age to start a child in a preschool?

Maria Montessori outlined various periods of “sensitivity”. During these times, a child is more capable of and interested in learning specific concepts. Between the age of two-and-a-half and three-and-a-half years a special sense of order, concentration, coordination and independence begin to emerge. This time is ideal to begin a child’s training in Montessori as he is at the perfect period to build a strong foundation for future learning and personality forming.

12. How do Montessori children adjust to public schools?

Children who have been in a Montessori environment are generally very flexible and adjust quite easily to the public school situation. They may be better students and spend their time in more productive ways because of their self direction and positive attitude towards learning.

13. What about socialisation and group work?

Socialisation is very much a part of the Montessori method. In the classroom you’ll notice children interacting continously, choosing to work on projects together, and older children helping younger ones. Each day there is some group activity and play outside. This will be because children belonging to different age work in the same room.

14. For whom is the Montessori method designed?

The Montessori method is  an “approach to learning” and as such has no distinctions of class or intelligence. It has been used successfully in all parts of the world and in all types of programs, i.e. gifted children, average children, Headstart, exceptional children, etc. It is specially designed for children from birth to adulthood. It is also practised in adult education.

15. Isn’t Montessori expensive?

Tuition fees in Montessori preschools throughout the country is sometimes higher than other preschools because of the expensive materials, encompassing environment, curriculum and trained staff. It is however, a very reasonable cost in contrast to other activities you would plan for yourself or your child. It becomes a matter of what you value most. To give your child the finest possible experience in his most sensitive years is to give him a strong foundation throughout his life and probably ward off investment later to correct or remedy that which was missed. Many educators believe that it is wiser to invest in a child’s preschool education than his college education. The child who enjoys learning and becomes self-directed at the critical preschool age will benefit through all his years of learning. The expense in this stage is a profitable long-term investment.

16. Does the Montessori method employ current research and theory in educational methods?

Montessori is not a static or closed system of education. While there are certain didactic materials and methods that have been proven effective through the years. Montessori is as much an attitude about education and children as it is a scientific method.

17. Is parents involvement encouraged in the school?

Parents involvement through conferences, observations, discussions, parent meetings, assisting in the classroom, making materials, etc is encouraged. The staff feels that the more parents can understand the experiences of the child in the class room the better they are able to follow up at home. When parents follow up at home, the child benefits even more because he has a consistent environment in which to grow and develop. Last but not the least, the Montessori method works best when supported by a similar philosophy in the home and the child completes the cycle of learning which takes several consecutive years.