|
MONTESSORI EDUCATION
Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian physician whose
career was dedicated to the study of children. She discovered that
the characteristics at each stage of human development are unique,
and that the foundation of the whole personality is laid during
the early years of life. In her medical practice, her clinical observations
led her to analyze how children learn. After extensive research,
she concluded that they build themselves from what they find in
their environment.
Dr. Montessori’s approach is a unique combination of philosophy,
psychology, educational theory, and instructional materials guided
by an understanding of developmental stages and respect for individual
characteristics. Through her years of experience with children around
the world, Dr. Montessori proved that children are able to learn
to read, write and calculate as easily and naturally as they learn
to walk and talk.
The Montessori classroom allows children to learn independently
in an environment carefully prepared and monitored by an educator
trained to work with children of that specific age group. Each child
usually has the same teacher for three years. This strengthens the
bond between teacher, child, and parents.
In a non-graded class of mixed ages the children spontaneously and
independently use materials designed by Dr. Montessori. They choose
their own activities and develop practical and intellectual abilities
through individual discovery and exploration of language, mathematics,
geography, geometry, art and music. Multi-age grouping allows the
child to proceed at an individualized pace. Teachers’ keep
detailed records and notes about each individual child’s lessons.
Progress in social and emotional development is also noted, detailed
summary reports are prepared twice a year for parent conferences.
In a Montessori school, parents are encouraged to attend meetings
on topics such as child development, parenting, school philosophy
and practice. Additionally, individual parent conferences are routinely
held.
Today there are close to five thousand private and approximately
two hundred public Montessori schools in the United States. Montessori
schools are recognized and respected the world over for creating
a learning environment that fosters initiative, self-esteem and
the joy of learning.
To learn more about Montessori education visit www.montessori.edu,
www.montessori-ami.org,
www.montessori-namta.org,
and www.amshq.org.
Click here for printer friendly pages.
|
