When you hear the word ‘Montessori’, is the first thing that you think of wooden toys or wooden shelves where the beautiful toys are laid out neatly? There is SO much more to Montessori.
What is The Montessori Method?
The Montessori Approach is a method of education, founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, and is based upon child-led, self-directed, and hands-on learning.
The word ‘Montessori’ is often assumed as a label for wooden toys, and although natural resources and materials are part of the method, the concept is so much more than just ‘things’.
The Montessori Approach is deeply rooted in mutual respect, trust and understanding between the adult and child. Viewing babies, toddlers and children as capable human beings is an integral part – allowing them to learn through their own experiences, at their own pace, and in their own way.
Montessori is..
A type of Education: The educational method was started by Dr. Maria Montessori at the start of the 20th century. Nowadays, there are Montessori nurseries and schools for children. Our Isaac goes to a Montessori nursery.
A way of Life: Montessori isn't only for the classroom. It can become a way of life. From how you set up your child's environments at home, to how you parent them, Montessori can be a guide on how to do this is a caring, respectful way.
A way of showing Respect: The Montessori Approach is deeply rooted in respect and trust for the child. Montessori values the child as an individuals, their choices, their independence and their capabilities.
A way of creating Environments: Montessori suggests that in order for children to be independent and demonstrate how capable they are, we as the adult need to ensure that we have prepared their environment. This often involves making adaptations to the house (eg. adding a stool) so that areas of our home become accessible to the child, as well as including toys/resources/materials that are suitable for the age and stage of our child to follow their own interests and learning journey.
A way of allowing Freedom: Montessori is all about freedom WITHIN limits - meaning you give your child as much freedom they can safely manage in a particular environment or situation. This includes freedom of movement, freedom to follow their own interests, freedom to follow their own choices...
A way of viewing our child's play as important Work: In Montessori, a child's play and their experiences within their environment are called their 'work'. It reminds us as parents and guides that what are child is doing is important to them and their development, even if we don't see the importance of it ourselves. This is another way in which we as the adults can show respect towards our child - valuing their choices, thoughts, decisions and feelings.
We have found that the Montessori Method holds a firm place of importance in our hearts at The Know & Play Space and is something we incorporate into our research, our play, our environments and our parenting at home with Isaac.
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