Unfortunately in our modern society, some schools just use the name “Montessori” as a brand, but do not follow and implement its original principles and philosophy. Here are some points and characteristics of Montessori class that can help parents to determine if it is “fake” or original Montessori method used in a school...
WHAT IS MONTESSORI?
Professionally trained staff: The teacher must have an AMI (Association Montessori International) Diploma. AMI is a world famous organization and was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori to protect and preserve the origins of her method. If a school has AMI accreditation, it means that the school preciously follows the original Montessori method.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind” Dr. Maria Montessori
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am sure that many parents have heard this word many times before, but in reality just a few truly understand what this method is all about and why it is different from any other traditional method in education. This method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori (the first woman doctor in Italy and a prominent psychologist) more than 100 years ago and gained immediate worldwide recognition due to shocking results shown by the children who have attended schools using Montessori method. The results were quite impressive, the children in Montessori class (from 3 to 6 years old) could distinguish 64 shades of colors, easily operate with concepts of length and volume, name all geometric shapes, count up to 10,000, add and multiply, write perfectly in handwritten calligraphy, read with pleasure and understanding of meaning and had sufficient knowledge of biology, geography, music and etc. More importantly, the children were learning all these things with great pleasure and joy and without any enforcement from a teacher. During the process, they were
independent, creative, compassionate and always curious for more knowledge. At present, it is a well-known fact that many successful and prominent people in the world have been educated in Montessori schools. They are famous scientists, musicians, writers, businessmen, politicians and members of Royal families. Dr. Maria Montessori was the first person to recognize the importance of the early years where the foundation of a child’s future is laid. During her work and experiments, she developed the method, which allowed an environment for discovery and
opportunity for every child’s potential to reach its absolute maximum. Modern scientific research has confirmed that a child from 0 to 6 is very open to education and has a so called “Absorbent mind”. At that age, a child absorbs everything from his surroundings and it becomes a part of his personality, mind and soul. That’s why it is extremely important what kind of environment and people are around the child in those early years of life.
Environment: The school should have a fully equipped classroom with custommade children size furniture and full set of original Montessori education materials. The materials are defined and divided into several specific zones: Sensorial, Language, Mathematic, Culture and Practical Life. Most importantly, there are absolutely NO TOYS in the original Montessori classroom! Classroom schedule: 3 hours of uninterrupted working cycle in the morning, when children reach the deepest level of concentration in their work with Montessori materials and absorb the knowledge quickly and easily. Usually, lunch follows the 3-hours working cycle. Healthy nutrition is also a vital part of any Montessori environment. During lunchtime, children are taught to set the
table before and after meals and wash their own dishes. It is an important part of the education process, where they learn not only the skills for practical life, but also good table manners. Ages and Programs: The children are divided into the following groups and programs: 1 to 3 years old – Toddler program, 3 to 6 years old – Primary program, and 6 to 9 and 9 to 12 years old – Elementary 1 and 2 program. Mixed age groups help children to develop social skills. Younger children have opportunities to observe and learn from the older peers, and the older children try to set a good example for the younger ones. Lessons: The teacher makes short presentations to each student individually. This comes at the right moment when the teacher sees the readiness and interest
of the student. By no means are lessons forced or given to the child without their sincere desire to learn. In Montessori school there are almost no collective lessons! Usually children learn quickly to work independently or in small groups of their choice.
control over the child. But to act as a quiet observer, kindly and gently directing the child towards activities and materials that the child himself is showing an interest and requires for his own development. The teacher only suggests and waits for the child to start the learning process but does not force or animate a scenario as is usually done in a traditional school! Discipline: Discipline in the Montessori classroom is amazing. There is no loud talking, running or screaming. It is an absolutely quiet classroom full of children! Usually, children work quietly and with great interest and motivation. By giving children the freedom to choose what to do in a specifically prepared environment of a Montessori classroom, they learn selfdiscipline and no longer need an adult to call them to order. Montessori philosophy: Freedom of the child, respect for his personality, lack of competition in the group, encouraging self-reliance and independence, and much more makes the Montessori method appropriate for the natural laws of development and needs of the child.
The work of the Teacher: In the Montessori classroom, the adult acts as a guide and aid to the child’s development. It means that it is not her right to be the dictator or have Montessori Method is a comprehensive approach. Only in the combination of all the necessary conditions, we can see the progress of our children, the progress of the physical, mental and spiritual. We can see how they are changing very quickly - how they enjoy their new discoveries and learn to make friends, to help each other and how they gain confidence in their abilities and boundless thirst for knowledge, which they will carry through their whole life. “Character formation cannot be taught. It comes from experience and not from explanation” -- Dr. Maria Montessori
Krabi International Montessori is an early learning center that offers the original Montessori education for children from 1 to 6 years old. Please check our website www.krabimontessori.com or Facebook page for more information about us! Come and visit us, as we are happy to answer all your qutestions. Tel: 0-908-700-905