For all the benefits it offers, Montessori pedagogy has become a key methodology to enhance children’s learning, both in school environments and at home. Today we will learn more about this educational method, its characteristics, and its advantages.
WHAT IS MONTESSORI PEDAGOGY?
It is an educational proposal promoted by María Montessori. This Italian educator, whose biography is contextualized between the years 1870 and 1952, created a method that marked a turning point in the way of understanding learning. And it is that, in the Montessori Method, the child adopts a proactive role during the discovery process. Each child finds the right context to evolve at their own pace. In short, it is an alternative pedagogy that distances itself from the traditional teaching method.
WHAT IS THE MONTESSORI METHOD AND HOW TO APPLY IT?
In Montessori environments, the relationship between the adult and the child is not hierarchical as it occurs in traditional teaching. From this point of view, the adult is the one who transmits his/her knowledge. While in teaching centered on Montessori pedagogy, the link is represented by means of a horizontal scheme. Keep in mind that the adult learns great lessons through the child. Therefore, it is important to organize a safe, bright and orderly environment.
The Montessori Method provides the essential resources to promote full development in children and positively influence children’s autonomy. In fact, the environment is perfectly organized, orderly and structured so that the children can interact in a safe place, where their ability to explore and experiment is enhanced.
Discover the keys to applying the method in the educational field or at home:
1. Practical Montessori-style furniture
Furniture must be adapted to the height of the child. In this way, the little one can explore the environment with freedom, security, and confidence. There are no obstacles that limit their autonomy or their mobility. For example, he can choose for himself the material he wants to play with.
2. Freedom of choice in Montessori pedagogy
In a Montessori environment, learning is aligned with personal decisions. The child has the possibility to choose which activity he wants to do. That is, he can choose a specific educational material from the wide catalog of proposals that he has within his reach.
3. Order, light, and cleanliness
The prepared environment is key to creating a safe environment for the child both in the classroom and at home. Well, order and cleanliness build a pleasant space. A tidy and clean room educates children on the value of care and respect for the environment.
4. Encouragement of reading in Montessori pedagogy
Reading significantly feeds knowledge. Plus, it entertains and educates at home or at school. However, it should be pointed out that the works that are inspired by the Montessori Method have a very important characteristic. Children’s stories delve into issues related to reality. That is, they move away from the world of fantasy. In this way, the reader finds scenes or situations that he can also identify around him. Keep in mind that, in the stage from 0 to 6 years, the little ones can confuse fantasy with reality.
5. Educational and sensory materials
A prepared environment, at home or in a school, is made up of materials that meet a basic requirement. They are sensory materials with which the child can experiment and learn.
6. A prepared adult who takes the role of guide
Without a doubt, it is very important that the environment is perfectly organized. But what is the role of the adult in the Montessori Method? His function is not to give constant instructions but to consciously accompany the child. The role of the prepared adult is that of an observer: he sees each child as a unique being. The look of the Montessori guide expresses acceptance, admiration, humility, and respect.
7. Outdoor activities
Contact with nature is essential in the Montessori Method. The child exercises his capacity for observation in open spaces and discovers the curiosities of the environment that surrounds him.
6 ADVANTAGES OF MONTESSORI EDUCATION
The Montessori Method is a benchmark in current education and it is not for less considering all the advantages it offers in the teaching-learning processes:
The child develops in an integral way as a happy being. That is, he grows up in a happy, affectionate, respectful, and sensory environment.
It transmits values that are essential at any stage of life. For example, the Montessori Method feeds a love of nature. The order and care of the environment are other essential pillars.
The path of learning and discovery is personalized. Montessori pedagogy respects the rhythm of the child and his specific needs.
It is an educational approach that offers a very important advantage: the child adopts a leading role in his learning process. This means that he acquires knowledge through experimentation, observation, and experiences.
Encourages child autonomy, instead of promoting dependency. The child can do many things by himself in a perfectly organized space.
The Montessori guide observes reality through a conscious gaze and, furthermore, it is a method that educates adults on the value of humility.
Due to all the advantages that it offers in the development of socially and emotionally strong children, the Montessori Method is preferred over traditional education by most parents.
If you are looking for a Montessori school for your child, you can choose Mutendi Montessori.
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