An Overview of the Montessori Method

I would like to write on my personal thoughts of how wonderful the Montessori method is and how it impacts the lives of our children daily. As a parent to a Montessori child and as a teacher, I can't say enough about how the Montessori method changed my child's life and changed my perspective toward the children I work with. Here are a few notes about the Montessori philosophy:

The Changing Environment

As the child grows and changes the environment will change to reflect his needs, not only in the physical environment but in the intellectual, social, and emotional environments. The child constantly grows in independence and responsibility, and it is a challenge to keep up with his growth.

The Absorbent Mind

Children in these early years literally absorb the life around them. We can never be too kind, too respectful, too wise, to be their role models. When they are not with us, we must have the highest standard of expectation for any adults with whom they spend time. The environment we create for our young children is the environment they are going to create for their own children and on and on.

A Sense of Order

In the first three years of life, children have a very strong sense of order- of both place and time. That's why in the Montessori class environment everything falls in order from morning drop-offs, to bathroom routines, working time, putting away materials back on the same shelf in the order they were originally located, etc. Children do not have any other motive than to try to make sense of the world, to create order. When the child figures out where everything belongs and how the day goes he develops a feeling of security that allows him to go on to the next stage of development.

Montessori Parents:

Wise parents recognize this stage and support the child's internal creation. They put thought into the arrangement of the environment, and into daily routines, being sure that something begun can continue to be done in that way. Above all, they become good at putting themselves in the place of the child to try to understand what he is learning and are able to respect his space and needs.

Parents who learn to observe their children will be able to tell if a toy is still appropriate, or if the furniture is still the correct size for the growing child. They will recognize when the child is ready for the next step in participation with the life and work of the family.

Adults who are trying to learn to be good parents are doing so because they care about others. No matter how much we all try to be perfect we must learn to be easy on ourselves, to not waste time wishing we " had only known", but must learn to laugh, to pick up the pieces, and to begin again.

Montessori Environment:

The Montessori environment contains specially designed, manipulative materials that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice. Under the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher, children in a Montessori classroom learn by making discoveries with the materials, cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.

Montessori Teacher:

*Prepares the most natural and life-supporting environment for the child.

*Observe the child living freely in this environment.

*Continually adapts to the environment in order that the child may fulfill his greatest potential-physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Congratulations to you for taking one of many important steps in your child's life by enrolling him/her in our Montessori Toddler Community. By working together we can help children live healthier and happier life. How does the Montessori method or environment impact you?

–Cricket Teacher