Yes folks, its that day of the week again! This week I thought we might delve into Montessori and learn some more about this fascinating approach.
“The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six. For that is the time when man’s intelligence itself, his greatest implement is being formed.”
Dr. Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
Lets start with the basics. From the FAQ page at www.montessori.edu:
Q. Where did Montessori come from?
A. Montessori (pronounced MON-tuh-SORE-ee) education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She based her educational methods on scientific observation of children’s learning processes. Guided by her discovery that children teach themselves, Dr. Montessori designed a “prepared environment” in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities. Now, nearly a century after Maria Montessori’s first casa dei bambini (”children’s house”) in Rome, Montessori education is found all over the world, spanning ages from birth to adolescence.
Q. What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education?
A. Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. Montessori classes place children in three-year age groups (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and so on), forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education.
Q. Can I do Montessori at home with my child?
A. Yes, you can use Montessori principles of child development at home. Look at your home through your child’s eyes. Children need a sense of belonging, and they get it by participating fully in the routines of everyday life. “Help me do it by myself” is the life theme of the preschooler. Can you find ways for your child to participate in meal preparation, cleaning, gardening, caring for clothes, shoes, and toys? Providing opportunities for independence is the surest way to build your child’s self-esteem.
The same site also has a page with basic information for homeschoolers interested in Montessori that you can read here.
As with any other method how much parents choose to use varies from one family to the next. Some prefer to buy packaged curriculums and special supplies. There are many stores that offer everything a Montessori homeschooling parent could need. Online stores such as Montessori Research and Developement, the Montessori Print Shop, and Montessori For the Earth. Of course you can also download free materials to use from http://www.montessorimaterials.org/
Many parents love Montessori because it teaches children how to learn as well as what to learn, and it teaches them independence and self-guidence. Part of the lesson is also cleaning things back up. Another aspect that parents love is that they can step back and allow their children to learn at their own pace. Often parents are amazed at their children learning thigs they thought they would not be able to grasp.
There are local groups for Montessori homeschoolers in a few states. A listing can be found here. Online there are many groups for parents to join to talk with other Montessori homeschoolers. Playschool6, Livable Learning, MM Share, Montessori Preschool at home, and Montessori Beginnings are some great groups to look into for more information. There is even a Montessori Swap group for swapping materials.
Books by Maria montessori include The Absorbent Mind, The Discovery of the Child, Dr. Montessori’s Own Handbook, and The Montessori Method
homeschool, homeschooling, Montessori, curriculum, Maria Montessori, Method Madness Monday
