Maria Montessori was a renowned Italian educator. She worked extensively in the field of early childhood education. Montessori developed her educational system to foster the children’s optimal development. She viewed each child as a unique individual who is capable of independent and self directed learning. Montessori also states that children are active explorers of the environment. Montessori had a faith that the young children have the ability to learn naturally and independently without formal instruction from an adult.
As per the Montessori method, the role of the teacher is that of a guide and facilitator. The teacher is expected to prepare an environment for learning. Enrichment of environment has also been stressed in this methodology of childhood education.
Montessori identified three domains of development. Even materials were prepared accordingly by Madame Montessori. The identified areas of development are:
- Practical life: This domain deals with the activities focused on developing skills in personal care such as washing and dressing, care of the environment such as sweeping and wiping floor. Even social relations and behavior such as rules of courtesy and politeness. Analysis and control of movement such as walking and balancing.
- Sensory development: this area promoted visual discrimination skills such as identifying differences in width, height or size.
- Cognitive or Intellectual area: Montessori created activities to promote language and early writing skills.
Montessori developed various child-sized equipments. The equipments were wooden in nature. The main focus in the Montessori method was on the environment in the classroom. It was Montessori’s belief that “Environment should provide independent and self – directed learning by allowing the children to make their own choices”. The teachers are expected to break the activities into small, sequential steps and involved concrete, hands – on types of learning and materials that support the philosophy. Montessori is well known for the teaching materials that she created for the children.
The salient features of Montessori method are:
- Based on scientific background: Montessori method is the outcome of the efforts of doctors and scientist. The principles of this method are also specified very clearly.
- Individual learning: Montessori is individualistic. Students are free to learn according to their choice. No timetable is followed in the preschool.
- Training through Sensory apparatus: Montessori has developed certain special apparatus for developing the sensory skills of the children.
- Self – corrective apparatus: the apparatus is provided to the child and the child is expected to use this apparatus in a specified way. The method also provides little opportunities for play.
- Stress on daily life – activities: the child is taught to take care of himself. Even environmental cleanliness is taught to the child such as: dusting, cleaning, washing, sweeping.
- Teacher is a facilitator: teacher is only a facilitator. She gives directions to the children. The teacher provides the children with the apparatus and then observes the children from a distance.
- Unique method of Reading and Writing: special importance has been provided to learning in this method. The muscular movement is taken into consideration in this method. There are readiness activities planned as per the age of the child. Even activities are given to the children for enhancing the muscular movement.
At KIDZEE we have some equipments that are based on Montessori method. Some of the equipments used are:
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