7 Key Elements of a Montessori School

Have you heard of “Montessori School” and wondered what is it all about?

A child in his childhood days joins Montessori school to learn basic principles of life and values. You can detect that something unusual is happening the soon as you walk into a Montessori classroom. You’ll observe kids deeply involved in their work, respectful of the mselves and their surroundings, working alone and in groups, and frequently using specially created learning tools.

So, if you want to know more about Montessori education, you are at the correct spot. In this article, we’ll talk about Montessori education and its key elements.

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What is Montessori education?

The Montessori method of teaching is founded on science and emphasizes respect for a child’s natural psychological, physical, and social development as well as independence and freedom within acceptable parameters.

It is predicated on the belief that every child is an exceptional individual with enormous potential, a desire to learn, and a need to be occupied. In order to help each student learn, the teacher must use materials that are customized to their requirements and learning style.

Montessori students develop into self-directed, enthusiastic learners and citizens who are responsible for both themselves and their community when they are given the flexibility and encouragement to ask questions, dig deep, and draw connections.

Today, Montessori educational institutions can be seen everywhere. Both public and private school systems include Montessori schools. Since the term “Montessori” is not legally protected, anyone may use it, that reasons why there are so many Montessori organisations.

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History of Montessori education

The Casa Dei Bambini (Children’s House) was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first female doctor in Italy, to provide education for children from low-income families in Rome. Maria Montessori started experimenting with her own child-centered educational theories in the classroom as opposed to employing conventional teaching techniques.

Because it concentrated on educating each kid according to his or her stage of development, the Casa Dei Bambini was exceptional. In order to provide a personalized education that emphasized each child’s abilities, Dr. Montessori worked with each child to encourage them to take ownership of what they wanted to study. To achieve their objectives, kids were urged to cooperate and work together.

In her book “The Montessori Education” published in 1909, Dr. Montessori explained her teaching methodology. In the following two decades, Montessori schools appeared on all six continents as her book attracted the attention of educators from all over the world.

She established the Association Montessori Internationale in 1929 to offer teacher training and direction to the numerous Montessori schools growing globally. Maria Montessori is regarded as one of the most important figures in the development of education in the 20th century.

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7 Key Elements of a Montessori School

You might wonder what makes a Montessori school different from other schools. There are various reasons that seperates a Montessori school. Here are top 7 key elements of a Montessori school:

A set environment

The Montessori approach relies heavily on the classroom setting since it empowers kids to participate in a wide range of engaging activities. Parents frequently are surprised by how well-kept and ordered Montessori classrooms are because they expect some degree of chaos and muddling.

The classroom is organized by Montessori teachers in a logical, predictable way so that the kids know where to go for which activities. Additionally, they make sure there is enough room for kids to work alone or in groups and that they may easily transition from one activity to another.

Children are also urged to respect the learning resources by putting them away when they are finished with them. These rules not only maintain order in the classroom but also develop in kids a sense of independence and responsibility from an early age.

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Classroom with Mixed Ages

The multi-age classroom is yet another crucial component of every Montessori institution.

In Montessori classes, students range in age from a few years to a few grades, which encourages mentorship, improves observational skills, and reinforces previously taught concepts. In traditional schools, students are separated by grade or age.

In each subject area, the kids are put in groups according to their learning needs, and depending on the situation, they may work with older or younger kids. In addition to allowing students to benefit from one another’s knowledge, this structure enables each child to learn at his or her own pace regardless of chronological age.

Experienced Teachers

Having teachers who have received specialised training in the Montessori approach is a big aspect of a Montessori education. They understand how to manage a Montessori classroom and provide for the kids in a way that best supports their growth as individuals.

In order to know when and how to direct children to learning materials and activities that are age-appropriate and that the children personally demonstrate interest in, Montessori teachers spend time monitoring children.

Montessori Educational Resources

Without certified Montessori educational resources, a Montessori school is incomplete.

Resources must educate kids a variety of essential skills, from domestic tasks like cleaning and setting the table to counting with coloured beads, and must be developmentally appropriate.

Arts and crafts supplies, beads, blocks, classification cards, movable alphabet letters, and puzzle maps are examples of typical Montessori classroom supplies.

Working Children

The children are guided in their chosen “task” by the Montessori teachers, who don’t truly “teach” them.

“Work” is a purposeful activity in the Montessori language. It is basically any activity that the child chooses to engage in and that the teacher believes will assist the child to develop particular skills.

Children are encouraged to experiment with a wide variety of activities in a Montessori school because of the logical, predictable flow of the classroom area. This allows each kid to work at their own pace and comfort level.

Uninterrupted Work Periods

Children can choose the activities and resources they want to use in a Montessori school, and they can work independently for extended periods of time.

The Montessori technique relies heavily on consistent work times. It impart a sense of maturity, responsibility, and self-motivation in children and teach them that they can solve problems on their own. They also help children become more focused.

Children can concentrate on their own abilities and interests during free time at their own pace rather than the pace of the class.

Types of Montessori schools

There are Montessori elementary schools and secondary schools, yet the majority of people probably associate the term “Montessori” with preschools. The search engine on the official American Montessori Society (AMS) website allows you to look for a recognised Montessori school in the US.

It’s crucial to remember that any school can use the term “Montessori,” even if it doesn’t genuinely adhere to the Montessori educational philosophy, so be sure to search for AMS-accredited institutions or those that are in the process of doing so.

Here are the primary qualities to seek for in a Montessori school:

●     A recognized Montessori-trained teacher or executive

●     A broad selection of Montessori educational resources displayed in a clean, organized environment

●     Children who are kind and happy are engaged in continuous work of their choice.

What is Montessori Education? ☆ Easily Explained, in English

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Conclusion

By allowing children to choose what they want to learn, the Montessori method seeks to develop a child’s entire being, including their mental, social, physical, and emotional aspects. While keeping an eye on their individual interests and abilities, highly trained teachers guide kids to appropriate activities.

The fees for a Montessori school can vary widely based on the area, age group, etc. However, you will typically have to pay tuition of at least a few thousand dollars per year.

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