Developed by Italian educator and doctor Maria Montessori, the
Montessori model of education is based on respect for a child's natural
psychological development. It's estimated that there are more than
20,000 Montessori schools worldwide, with students ranging from infant
age to eighteen years of age. A Montessori education emphasizes a
child's social development as much as his or her academic development,
and it aims to help a child build independence and practical skills
within a supportive framework which respects each student's individual
growth rates. Students are looked at as whole individuals: the physical
and the emotional are as important as their cognitive development.
Montessori
schools for infants and toddlers have the primary focus of providing
opportunities for children to develop motor skills, independence, and a
love of learning. Teachers engage students with materials that are size
and age-appropriate. The Montessori approach at this age also aims to
develop toileting skills. Parents often participate with their
youngsters in "parent-tot" classes at which the parent can help guide
their child through a variety of age-appropriate activities.
As
children grow into the preschool and kindergarten years (ages two and a
half to six), the Montessori model engages them in activities which help
them develop independence in a variety of practical pursuits. Mixed age
classrooms allow children to help and learn from one another. Teachers
provide manipulatives such as spoons and cups which help students
develop confidence and practical skills. Students move freely and are
often given the choice to engage in the activity which interests them
most, allowing them to build a sense of freedom and personal
empowerment. A focus on the development of the senses is also evident in
a Montessori preschool classroom, as is engagement in art, music and
language activities. Students' differences are respected and celebrated.
As
students approach the elementary and middle school years (ages six to
twelve), the Montessori curriculum is integrated to emphasize
connections across all subject areas. Language, history, science, math,
and the arts are all studied in hands-on, interconnected,
project-oriented ways. Students learn through hands-on experiences and
are actively engaged in investigation and research; they are not vessels
to be "filled" with information. Students direct their own
explorations, further emphasizing the development of their independence.
Students also take learning outside of the classroom (sometimes
referred to "going out" in Montessori) to engage in real-world
investigations which build on what they learn in the classroom
environment. The result is a confident, independent learner who is ready
to succeed in high school and beyond.
Research on the Montessori
model has shown that graduates of Montessori schools are prepared well
for later life in an academic sense as well as socially and emotionally.
Graduates score well on standardized tests and often receive above
average rankings on criteria such as attentive listening, showing
responsibility, and critical thinking. They are able to adapt to new
situations and show a love and enthusiasm for learning.
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