WHAT IS MONTESSORI?
Montessori Education is a pedagogical method of educating children based on the research, observations, and experiments of Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori (1870–1952). This is a method with a special educational process based on children’s learning through their senses and experiences in the environment.
The biggest difference of the Montessori method is “following the child”, the method accepts the uniqueness of each child and allows children to develop according to their own abilities and time. The method emphasizes the role of independence and freedom (within limits) in forming a child’s personality.
FEATURES OF MONTESSORI CLASS
- Children live in a miniature society with mixed-age classes, according to the child’s needs and characteristics in each stage (*).
- Children are free to choose activities and work at their own pace, to progress towards their independence in the classroom environment as well as in life.
- Children are respected and protected to ensure they are not interrupted or disturbed during the “work” process, to help children build concentration and the ability to complete work.
- Children learn through practical experiences with educational tools and developmental activities, from which they summarize concepts and knowledge for themselves.
- Exploring activities, going outside, or participating in projects, etc. are encouraged at each age level, so that children can expand their knowledge, cultivate and create human knowledge.
- In addition to building a generation of children with a deep awareness and endless love for learning, as well as a passion for exploring the treasure of human knowledge, the method also respects the natural psychological and physiological development. of children, building children who are independent, self-reliant, compassionate and fully themselves, ready for an ever-changing world.
(*) Preschool (grades 6 – 18 months, 18 months – 3 years old, 3 – 6 years old), primary school (grades 6 – 9 years old, 9 – 12 years old), secondary school (grades 12 – 15 years old, 15 – 18 years old).
WORLD CELEBRITY & MONTESSORI
In any era, Education always plays an extremely important role. Especially in the period from 0-6 years old, this is the fundamental stage of human development.
After realizing the importance of children in building society, Maria Montessori devoted her life to researching and spreading the Montessori educational method around the world, so that as many children can enjoy the education system. Education follows the child’s own natural development.
In 1907, Mrs. Maria Montesosri opened her first classroom called Casa dei Bambini, also known as Children’s House, in an apartment complex located in the capital city of Rome. Up to now, there have been Montessori schools. located at:
- More than 110 countries;
- More than 22,000 Montessori schools for children from birth to 18 years old;
There have been many famous figures in the world who have studied at Montessori schools such as:
- Larry Page and Sergey Brin – Founders of Google;
- Jeff Bezos – Amazon CEO;
- Steph Curry – 3-time winner of the American Professional Basketball Championship,…
All of them had a common opinion that they had benefited a lot from the Montessori educational method, a method that gives children the freedom to carry out activities at their own pace, letting them explore and find things for themselves. Find confidence to be ready to go on your own path.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ORIGINAL MONTESSORI ENVIRONMENT
Three important factors are mentioned in establishing and operating an original Montessori environment: environment, materials and teachers.
Mixed-age classes not only provide a variety of activities to engage children’s interest, but also allow children to learn from others and learn by helping others.
Montessori environment
The Montessori environment is a “prepared environment” designed to suit the child and his or her needs at different stages of development. The environment is where the child is free to operate to maximize his or her potential. children’s existing abilities.
The Montessori classroom environment allows children to develop independence in all areas, in accordance with the child’s psychological development trends. In addition to easy access to Montessori materials for each age group, the Montessori environment is also designed and established according to the following criteria:
- Green, clean, beautiful space with lots of sunshine and wind both inside the classroom and outside;
- Suitable for the child’s physical size and mental needs;
- Everything is arranged in an orderly manner, within reach and sight of children;
- Activities included in the environment are aimed at supporting children’s development;
- Scientific learning tools, complete and diverse in many fields,…
Montessori learning materials
Montessori learning materials are considered means of development, scientific, fully equipped and diverse. Children are the ones who make their own choices, work and can also evaluate their own work through learning tools. Montessori learning materials have the following characteristics:
- Suitable for children’s physical and mental health;
- Isolated physical characteristics to target the purpose of the learning tool;
- Design and present true nature in the most natural way in the environment;
- Depending on the purpose of the learning materials, there may be one set or many sets in the environment.
- When working with learning materials, children can evaluate their own work, etc.
Montessori teacher
Trained Montessori teachers are an important bridge between children and the environment and learning materials. Teachers are children’s companions on the path to discovering knowledge, moral values and an exciting life.
Teachers are highly trained and certified by prestigious organizations in the world such as Indian Montessori Center (IMC), Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), American Montessori Society (AMS),… those who have knowledge, understand and practice Montessori as a way of life on their daily journey of “following children”.
Montessori teachers are progressive, compassionate thinkers who are constantly learning to best support children’s development. More than anyone else, Montessori teachers have a strong belief in children’s potential, they believe that children only need to live and work in a prepared environment, with the means to develop, then they can create. so be yourself with your own abilities.
