Between the ages of 3 and 6, children are in a sensitive period for learning. At this age, they can enjoy absorbing many concepts that are sometimes difficult if they are applied in a concrete way. In a Montessori classroom, for example, a decimal unit is not simply a number on paper; it is something that the child can hold in his or her hands. These concrete materials are intended to guide the child to the abstract concept in future learning situations.
The name Montessori comes from the founder of this teaching method. The Montessori method brings a philosophy and methodology that was developed over decades through the studies of Maria Montessori. Maria Montessori was a doctor, anthropologist, and scholar of human development. Maria left her medical profession after working with children with disabilities who were surprisingly successful in the academic field due to the attention and focus of her work. Today, the method is found in schools all over the world, in both public and private schools.
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Children must work and live in structured environments to feel safe. Since they have this feeling of "inner chaos" and seek to understand many new concepts, they cannot function and develop in an unstructured environment. The Montessori environment is a pleasant environment, where the child feels comfortable because it is organized, calm and they know what to expect.
The Montessori teaching program helps children to have self-control, direction and independence. A child with these skills can easily adjust to any educational structure.
Montessori said: “The greatest problem of freedom; its meaning and repercussions must be clearly understood. The adult idea that freedom consists simply in minimizing tasks and obligations must be rejected. The freedom given to the child is not liberation from parents and teachers; it is not freedom from the laws of nature or society, but rather the highest freedom of self-development and self-realization compatible with service to society.” In the Montessori environment, freedom is the opportunity to make appropriate choices in an environment that offers rich opportunities.
The Montessori preschool environment is designed for children ages 3 to 6. Because no two children grow and mature in exactly the same way, the materials available to them are varied and numerous. The appropriate activity for the right time is there to be presented to the child when he or she is ready or to choose on his or her own according to his or her interests. However, no child is held back if his or her abilities indicate the need to advance and progress, or, conversely, no child is pressured to develop or refine skills that he or she is not yet ready to master.
Each child's sensitive periods can be capitalized upon in a mixed-age environment. At the same time, in a Montessori classroom, there are around 300 activities available on the shelves for presentations. In addition, the advantages of a child entering a classroom at the age of 3 and remaining there until the age of 6 are numerous. The child has time to adapt to the environment, grow and develop without having to undergo readaptations every 12 months. The more experienced children in the classroom help the younger ones with their tasks, thus creating a non-competitive and very welcoming atmosphere. The transition from home to school is much easier and more enjoyable in this environment.
Yes, children have group experience in daily line activities, during recess, special subjects and during group presentations appropriate for all students. They also work in small groups on academic activities frequently. Children also work individually on a variety of activities so that they can progress according to their ability and interests.
It has been observed that children during the work process demonstrate self-discipline and concentration during the activity. Children enjoy work if they do it by their own choice and if the work is appropriate. Discipline is the teacher's job and the answer is: redirect the child to work that requires concentration. The Montessori philosophy is based on respect. Each individual is free to choose within limits that respect the rights of everyone else. There are basic rules within which everyone can work calmly and these must be respected.
