Benefits of The Montessori Method
Maria Montessori's goal was to develop the whole personality of the child, and her system is based on a strong belief in the spontaneous working of the human intellect. Her three primary principles are observation, individual liberty, and preparation of the environment. These principles and their various practical expressions with children are a key component of the Montessori educational system. Here are some characteristics and benefits of the Montessori method.
- Self-correcting materials within the environment. Children learn through their own errors to make the correct decision versus having the teacher point it out to them.
- Individual learning takes place within the environment. Montessori recognizes that each child learns at a different pace and allows that growth to take place.
- Children are quiet by choice and out of respect for others within the environment. The Montessori classroom allows children to return to the "inner peace" that is a natural part of their personalities.
- There is an emphasis on concrete learning rather than on abstract learning. Children need to experience concepts in concrete "hands-on" ways.
- It is a child-centered environment. All the materials are easily within the child's reach, placed on shelves at their levels. The tables and chairs are small enough for the children to sit comfortably while the pictures and decorations are placed at the children's eye level.
- The children work for the joy of working and the sense of discovery. Children are natural leaders or "sponges" and delight in learning new tasks.
- The environment provides a natural sense of discipline. The "ground rules" or expectations of the child are clearly stated and are enforced by the children and the teachers.
- The environment is "prepared" for the children. Everything in the room has a specific place. Children are orderly by nature and having the room set this way allows them to grow in a positive way.
- The teacher plays a very unobtrusive role in the classroom. The children are not motivated by the teacher, but by the need for self development.