Montessori Method: An Ultimate Learning Method for Children
For education nowadays, the limit is no longer just learning books and notes. Learning is now about feeling, seeing, and experiencing a lot. The Montessori system comes from this mentality, which is an excellent and unique way of teaching children.
The Montessori method’s main concept is that it should be child-centered. That is to say, it is the child who initiates and directs their interest and activities and that their experiences have the feelings of freedom and pleasure.
Montessori education aims to cultivate intellectual independence, self-confidence, and responsibility in the child along with a love of learning. In this sense, parents and teachers are considered more as facilitators than as bossy figures.
Basic Principle of the Montessori Method
The Montessori principles embody the nature of children and their learning processes. In relation to the mentioned principles, parents also are able to provide a pleasant home and learning environment for their children.
1. Child Respect
The first rule, the first principle of Montessori, is to respect the child.
- Do not treat the child as small and unaware.
- Value his thoughts, questions and curiosity attitude.
- Every Child learns at a different pace. Accept it: some learn quickly, some slowly.
Example: If the child is about to learn something new, help him but don’t do it for him. Let him do it by himself.
2. Prepared Environment
The environment is of utmost importance in the Montessori method of education. Either at home or in school, the environment should be such that it enables a child to learn by himself.
- Set all sizes of tables, chairs, and low-level shelves for children.
- The training material should be within the child’s reach and well organized.
For instance: If you want your child to learn color and shape, then place bright blocks or puzzles such that your child can actually reach and play to learn.
3. Observation
The worst thing that a parent or a teacher can do in raising a child is to empty himself of seeing him.
This is in line with determining the interests and habits of an individual in order to know the learning needs.
It is about learning-sensitive periods in the child’s life — those times in which children may learn best a particular skill.
For example: If your child is three years old and is showing heightened interest in language, then his exposure to words, songs, and stories would have maximum success in teaching him using these now.
4. Freedom Within Limits
In Montessori education, the child is free, but such freedom is defined.
- Give the child the freedom of choice.
- But lay down clear forbiddances regarding safety and rules.
Example: Let the child choose toys while playing, but do not allow him near hot water or sharp objects.
This builds self-discipline, decision-making ability, and responsibility in the child.
5. Self-education
The learning process works best when done through experience and discovery to the child.
When children do it themselves, they embed knowledge; when they do it themselves, it becomes fun!
Example: Instead of teaching books to learn counting, let the child count small beads. This will help him understand numbers and addition and subtraction.
6. Hands-On Learning
It is an absolute requisite to learn long before lecturing within Montessori hands-on methodology.
Counting, colors, shapes, and words are best learned when taught with concrete materials.
Example:
- Counting: beads or blocks
- Words: letter blocks
- Shapes: puzzles and blocks
Ways to implement the Montessori method at home
Parents can employ the Montessori method to enhance their child’s learning at home.
1. Create a child-centred environment
- Maintain furniture according to the size of the child.
- The shelf and storage should be such that the child can easily pick up the material.
Example: If you are interested in teaching the child about colors and puzzles, keep these on the lower shelves.
2. Organize the Materials
Arrange all the materials in a tray or basket.
This system will make it more manageable for the child to find the materials and growing clutter.
Example: One basket for books, one for colored blocks, and one for puzzles.
3. Encourage independence
Let the child get dressed, make their own snacks and clean their room.
These are lessons of self-reliance and responsibility instilled in the child.
4. Practical Life Skills Teaching
Involve the child in real-life activities.
Example: Folding clothes, preparing snacks, and gardening.
This develops the child’s cognitive skills, motor skills, and life skills.
5. Positive Discipline
Explaining discipline and boundaries comes before punishing or rewarding the child.
Example: When the child scatters toys, calmly explain to him why it is essential to keep things organized.
6. Grant uninterrupted time to work
Allow for child’s uninterrupted work.
This helps the child experience attention and deep understanding (flow).
7. Be a Guide, not a Controller
Avoid directing the child in all other activities, but gently guide them.
Let the child make his or her own choices, make mistakes, and learn.
Example: After a short and gentle righting of the child when counting beads, let him or her proceed to finish.
Benefits of Montessori method
- Independence and confidence — Children learn to do their work and to take responsibility for their choices.
- Responsibility and discipline — Freedom within limits develops the sense of responsibility for his actions.
- Creativity and problem-solving ability — The very act of making choices and following through on their own will develop in the child the ability to think differently and find solutions.
- Advantage of sensitive periods — The child gets an opportunity to learn the skills when he is most ready for it.
- Deep understanding and lasting learning — An experience-based education sticks in the child’s mind for a longer time.
Conclusion
Montessori education isn’t just a method of teaching; it’s a way of living. It makes the child independent, responsible, and has faith in him/herself. The work of the parent or teacher is to provide him with an environment that is simple and safe and carefully organized.
For you to be able to give your child a chance to learn, become self-reliant, and develop life skills in a playful way, the Montessori method would be the most appropriate option for you.
Not just a study method, it is a great medium for the child’s all-around personality development and preparation for life.
