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The Latest on the Blog…
The Importance of Socialization with Montessori Circle Time
In the heart of Montessori education lies an opportunity for profound social and emotional growth:...
Practical Life Skills Montessori Cutting Practice
In this post, we will be discussing the topic of Practical Life skills, particularly Montessori...
Enhancing Language Arts with Science: The Butterfly Life Cycle Manuscript Handwriting Practice
The butterfly life cycle the Montessori way is the best method of learning it because Montessori education emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and self-discovery.
Montessori Science Life Cycles
In this training, we will be focusing on how to go about using life cycle activities for Montessori Science, whether it is Botany or Zoology.
The Transformative Power of Montessori from Birth
Emphasizing respect, independence, and a carefully prepared environment, Montessori principles...
Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag the Montessori Way + Lesson Plan
This pledge of allegiance activity includes step-by-step instructions, reference sheet, control of error, and a hands-on activity.
The Best Montessori Books for Teachers and Parents
Come and discover a wonderful list of the best Montessori books for teachers and parents.
Strategies for Fostering Independence in Babies
Let’s discuss several key strategies that will help you Forster independence in babies as you introduce them to the Montessori philosophy.
The First Year of Life: Developmental Stages and Key Milestones
When you are looking at raising your baby the Montessori way, the first thing you need to focus on is the baby’s developmental stages during the first year of life.
A Thorough Guide to Montessori Sight Words
One of the core components of the Montessori literacy program is the introduction of sight words. But what exactly are Montessori sight words, and why are they important?
Benefits of Montessori Education
Let’s discuss the benefits of Montessori education in this post because there is much to cover in this topic alone.
How to Start doing Montessori with your Baby
Learning how to start doing Montessori with your baby is easier than you think.
The Latest on the Podcast…
Episode 20: What happens when I don’t know what Montessori Materials to buy?
What happens when I don’t know what Montessori Materials to buy? Do you need help knowing where to turn when it comes to getting the right Montessori materials for your children right here, right now? I’m here to help!
Episode 19: Why Montessori Materials are so Special
Do you feel lost when it comes to Montessori materials? Do you have questions as to why they are so different from traditional school materials? Let’s discuss that fun topic. Don’t miss it!
Episode 18: Overcoming Negatives in Montessori
In this episode, let’s talk about some of the limiting beliefs or discouraging thoughts that you might have that may be keeping you from moving forward in your Montessori journey.
Episode 17: Change your Thinking as the Montessori Guide
There’s a lot that must happen internally before we can flourish to become a centered, organized Montessori Guide as you nurture happy, normalized children. What do you know about… limiting beliefs as the Montessori Guide?
Episode 16: You are the Montessori Guide
Today, we’re going to be talking about you being The Montessori Guide, what that means and what you can expect to take on as your responsibilities.
Episode 15: What Makes Montessori Materials so Unique
Why Montessori materials are special [LIVE Training] When it comes to Montessori materials, they will set themselves apart for their beauty, usability, durability and educational value.
Episode 14: 3 Reasons to Love the Montessori Philosophy
If you are new to the philosophy, you will fall in love with it and if you are a seasoned Montessorian, it will make you love it even more!
Episode 13: Research-Based Support for Multi-aged Groups – Part 2
It’s about the Montessori way of multi-aged grouping and some of the benefits of it.
Episode 12: Research-Based Support for Multi-aged Groups – Part 1
Research-Based Support for Montessori Multi-age Groups – Part 1 Multi-age grouping is intended to maximize learning potential… if done right, whether it’s at a Montessori school or doing Montessori at home. The Montessori Method has gotten it right. Come and find out why!
Episode 11: Foreign Languages the Montessori Way
In this episode, I’ll show you how to do foreign languages for kids the Montessori way with three simple activities that you can incorporate daily.
Episode 10: Fostering Peace the Montessori Way
In this episode, I am going to give you 3 tips to: teach, model and grow peace in our lives the Montessori way.
Episode 9: Montessori Tips for the Stressed Out Montessori Guide
I am going to give you 3 tips to be a less stressed Montessori Guide and get back on the right track to gain smooth, successful Montessori days.
Foundations
What is The Montessori Method?
Come and find out what makes this philosophy so unique, different and successful…
The Montessori Method was devised around 100 years ago by Dr. Maria Montessori, who developed it into something very special and unique. It revolves around giving children the freedom to follow their interests to discover the extent possible to boost their overall educational achievement.
What are we going to do to do to ensure that this effort is efficient? This, of course, involves planning and execution. For a start, yes, there is a method to the madness. And what happens as a result? A child who has a passion for learning plus an open and exploratory mindset.
1
Learn
2
Plan
3
Teach
What is The Montessori Method?
“I have studied the child, I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it, and that is what is called the Montessori Method.”
~Dr. Maria Montessori
Let’s describe the Montessori Method in this article and some of its main topics, starting with the author of this philosophy. Throughout the duration of her life, Dr. Maria Montessori was known to be both knowledgeable and well respected. She majored in mathematics, the natural sciences, and physics in college. After graduating from medical school, she went on to university to major in the biomedical sciences, which included biology.
She dedicated herself to all of herself and had coped with all of the difficulty that arose from being in a male-dominated environment and in the wake of her education. As an educator, she continues to be a model in a large field of which no other woman has ever been able to surpass her, and this day. Before getting into her career, she studied and practiced working with children who are deaf and disabled or have learning disabilities.
The Montessori Method of human development and brain science was later introduced by her ideas and theories, giving rise to a new and exciting educational approach to teaching that ended up becoming quite popular, even in higher education. It is a rare technique of teaching that allows children to think on their own and for themselves. It is a child-centered method in which the teacher maintains a safe and structured classroom environment while allowing the children to explore and discover for themselves.
“At such a time everything is easy; all is life and enthusiasm.”
~Dr. Montessori
Montessori referred to this development as having a strategy known as “Sensitive Periods.”
It follows a certain well-known developmental progression that expands when followed continuously.
The specific skill training periods children tend to experience at the same age as those listed above is frequently have similarities to generalized or sensitive periods.
For example, it is said that there are specific ages during which kids have a limited capacity to learn a language.
Before children are ready to learn the subject, the best method is to use is to encourage independent learning.
If you consider that, it makes perfect sense that introducing children to the appropriate information when they are young will help them learn more quickly.
The Four Periods of Development
“The wise mother will remember that play time is never wasted. So long as the children are busily absorbed, they are working at their own development – for children would rather work than play.”
~Dr. Montessori
This view posits that there are four distinct, but closely related stages of child growth in the Montessori Method. Birth to six and seven to twelve are the ages of children, and adolescents between the ages of twelve and seventeen and ten seventeen to twenty-four are the young adults.
In each of the four periods, there are the same overall phases or patterns, but the parameters are at different points have different values. Every development stage has its own advantages and disadvantages, but it is only with a full understanding of the situation that these can be faced and successfully handled. You need to know the right knowledge and strategies.
The Child’s Absorbent Mind
“[The Absorbent Mind] which receives all, does not judge, does not refuse, does not react. It absorbs everything and incarnates it in the coming man.”
~Dr. Maria Montessori
You are almost certainly going to come across the phrase “absorbent mind” in the writings of Dr. Maria Montessori. Adults and children go through different learning processes and it is imperative that we understand that. Children are like sponges, soaking up everything in their environment.
By the same token, it is easier for them to learn through trial and error, therefore doing things by themselves is simply through playing is not just faster, but far more natural. What affects a person’s personality, their movement, and how they use language to construct their understanding of the environment also effects how they view their surroundings. It is this hunger for new knowledge and adventures that helps explain their insatiable desire to learn and do things.
Hello, I am Tanya.
I am a Montessori Coach
and Curriculum Strategist.
I have been teaching, homeschooling, coaching and strategizing using the Montessori curriculum since 2005! My experience and passion in The Montessori Method have driven me to create The Montessori Way Foundations Framework and more!
While the Montessori Method is an unconventional method, the philosophy is quite distinct. It covers so much more than what I was able to explain here. That is why I have decided to dedicate this entire website to it. I hope that as you go through this site, you will realize how important Dr. Maria Montessori’s work has been in developing and assisting young minds.
Do you want to do Montessori, but don’t know where to start?
You’ll love this series!
In Part 1, you are going to see exactly what you need to do immediately to get started with the Montessori philosophy!
Your eyes will be opened to some fantastic actionable things you can start today for Montessori success.
The more you delve into this beginner topic, the more you will learn and grow in your knowledge. It’s beautiful!
This part of the series is going to make all the difference in how you will go about applying Montessori! Try it!
Not only will your confidence will soar, but your motivation will be unstoppable and you’ll be ready for the next step!
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