The Montessori method follows the idea of spontaneous learning in children. It was developed at the beginning of the last century by the Italian doctor and educator Maria Montessori, according to whom every child is unique and should be stimulated to develop his or her potential.
Forest House Montessori, a private kindergarten supported by BDB Microfinance, follows these principles and where children are encouraged to be active rather than sit still and listen. It follows the notion that they are knowledge-hungry individuals, capable of gaining knowledge and experience on their own in a way that is best for them. They are therefore encouraged to make decisions and learn about the world around them through play. This promotes their physical, mental, emotional and social development. This is also helped by the method materials, which are actually educational toys.
They vary in size, shape and colour. They can be solid geometric shapes in dark or bright shades, puzzles, globes, beads and much more. An important property of Montessori materials is their corrective nature. For example, when a puzzle piece doesn't fit or goes unused, the child realizes that they made a mistake somewhere in the process. Thus, of his own volition, he wishes to repeat the steps and correct it.
The toys are constructed by educators and are mostly wooden, with the idea that children play with natural materials. Each knowledge area has its own tools. Mathematics uses ones that help kids learn counting, units of measurement, etc. Biology teaches them the structure of certain types of plants. The development of eye-hand coordination, attention to detail and fine motor skills are also encouraged. Practical materials draw the attention of the children to everyday things - fabrics, locks, etc. In the case of sensory and speech development aids, there are toys that stimulate the child to learn colours as well as signs and symbols.
In Forest House Montessori, the role of the teachers is also different. Here they is seen as mentors, advisors who point the way for the child, but leave it to go along at his own pace. The Montessori teachers have more than one role. They must provoke curiosity and arouse interest rather than repeat rote lessons, since their aim is to create discoverers. To observe in detail and to recognize the mood and needs of the children in order to adapt the educational process to them.
And last but not least - be a role model. Through his own behaviour and attitudes, he models and shapes children's values of empathy, compassion and acceptance of individual differences. He encourages them to be polite. He brings them together in joint activities, encouraging teamwork, taking responsibility, self-discipline and respect.
Did you know?
Famous Montessori alumni include: Anne Frank, Jacqueline Kennedy, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Sergey Brin and Larry Page (the founders of google, who attribute their great success to their Montessori education), Princes William and Harry of Wales, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Wales (the founder of Wikipedia), Helen Hunt, George Clooney, Michael Douglas and many others.
Proponents of the Montessori approach to education include the Dalai Lama, Mahatma Gandhi, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Alexander Bell, and others.
