Why Montessori ?

Dr Maria Montessori was a pioneer in the education of young children and founded the Montessori Method of teaching. She believed that children have sensitive periods for learning. These are times when the child will be sensitive to a certain type of knowledge and will learn effortlessly. The Montessori environment is carefully designed to respond to the child’s needs at these stages and provides maximum opportunity for their development.The Montessori teacher or ‘directress’ is an important part of the Montessori classroom. S/he is trained to observe and respond to the needs of individual children as well as the whole group. S/he is concerned with all the aspects of the child’s development, social, emotional, intellectual, physical and creative.At all times, s/he treats the children in her care with respect, courtesy and a positive attitude. Montessori Work Cycle This is a time when all the teachers allow the children to ‘work’ at various activities. These activities may be adult led or ones that children choose independently from the shelves. These include Montessori equipment and other carefully selected materials from a wide variety of sources. The teachers have a clear understanding of each child’s stage of development so will be able to ‘direct’ the child to any particular activity she feels they need to achieve. This is a time when teachers will show children how to use the Montessori equipment, either on a 1 -1 basis or in a group, according to the guidance given by the Montessori philosophy.The outdoor area is seen as an extension of the classroom and by setting up activities outside children are allowed to choose between inside and outside, weather permitting. At all times staff will be assessing and observing to ensure that all the children are involved in activities appropriate to their needs.The Montessori classroom at Woodlodge is a complete learning environment. Children of similar ages develop at different rates therefore each child will need stimulation in different ways and at different times. Each child is treated as an individual while at the same time being part of the group.Above all the Montessori environment is a place that allows children to be happy, feel safe and be treated with respect, at the same time learning to respect others and fulfilling their social, physical, emotional, intellectual and creative needs. Montessori Principles Stimulation Children need to be stimulated in order to reach their full potential and the Montessori classroom is designed for that specific purpose. Learning through the senses Using all our senses to learn makes the learning experience more fun and also easier to absorb. The Montessori equipment allows the child to use his or her senses. Freedom to learn Each child is allowed controlled freedom within the classroom. They are free to choose materials to work with. By being allowed a choice the child becomes responsible and confident while at the same time learning with enthusiasm. Independence Independence helps in the formation of the child’s character and personality. It gives the child confidence and self-esteem These, in turn, create a happy and loving child. Interest in learning Children develop an interest for learning when they are provided with a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards gaining knowledge. Self discipline Through the freedom to choose and learn at his or her own pace the child acquires the ability of ‘self discipline’. Repetition “Repetition is the key for learning.” The Montessori environment allows the child to repeat activities and in this way removes any pressure or fear in grasping the concept of the activity.