The Modern Marvels of Montessori

by Tali Benjamin

In 1907, when Maria Montessori developed her educational approach, terms like executive functioning and empathy weren’t the buzz words they are today. For the everyday person, the idea of developing a love of lifelong learning was impractical; developing skills in a trade that could support a family was the important thing.

Fast forward 116 years, and society is extremely aware and in support of these educational philosophies that have been cornerstones of Montessori education all this time. So, what are these buzz words all about and why do they matter?

Executive Functioning

This blanket term encapsulates the mental processes that enable people to plan, focus our attention, remember and juggle multiple tasks. The independence model and freedom without limits constructs infused into Montessori education naturally grow executive function skills in students. Even as adults, strong executive functioning abilities come in handy while managing a household, work, and of course, kids!

Empathy

Defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, empathy is nurtured in environments of common understanding and respect. These elements are essential in a Montessori classroom. Students of different ages and abilities work together with the same ground rules, giving them the foundations of safety and mutual respect on which to build empathy.

Mutual Respect

The idea that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities is not a new concept for Montessori education. Students have always been taught to show compassion to everyone in their classroom and school communities.

Lifelong Learning

Montessori students have the freedom and time to delve into subjects during their two- or three-hour work cycles, which deepens their engagement with the subject matter. Also, because they are able to choose their projects, they feel more connected to what they are learning, making them want to continue their exploration outside of the classroom. Continuing to learn allows us to develop new skills, become more empathetic and give back more to the world in which we live.

What Is Montessori?

Italian physician Maria Montessori developed her system of education in 1907 for early learners. Today, her theories are used in schools around the world. She believed that “the goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” The Montessori method teaches children to be independent. Student-centered and interdisciplinary, children learn in a multi-age setting.

n Early Education

When young children begin a Montessori education, they work on motor-skills activities like sweeping, washing dishes and pouring. These practical-life activities foster independence and self-reliance; at the same time, they’re developing higher cognitive functions essential to concentration and attention. Classrooms are carefully prepared to be accessible and appealing for young children.

n Montessori for Big Kids

Montessori in the upper grades is a continuation of the curriculum at a deeper level. Independent study is encouraged, as well as group collaboration, community service and experiences outside the classroom. It’s a time of transition into more traditional learning, so students begin to have quizzes and tests, earn grades and experience more structured class time.

n Montessori at Home

Many of Montessori’s principles can be applied at home, from preschool to high school. Child-size brooms and cooking implements, orderly spaces for clothes and ageappropriate responsibilities, like clearing the table, teach real-life skills Giving children the tools and encouragement to explore their own interests promotes concentration. Older kids can help with things like shopping, meal planning, researching a family vacation and calculating costs.

n Age groupings

A typical classroom may be grouped in these ages: infant, ages 12-15 months; toddlers, ages 12 months-3 years; primary, ages 3-6; elementary, ages 6-9 and 9-12 or ages 6-12; secondary, ages 12-18, divided as ages 12-14, 14-16 and 16-18 or ages 12-15 and 15-18.