Montessori education is an educational method developed by Italian psychologist and educationist Maria Montessori. For children from birth to 18 years of age. The characteristics of the Montessori education method are that it emphasizes independence, limited freedom, and respect for children’s natural psychological, physiological and social development.
The obvious elements of the Montessori education method are as follows
1. Montessori education is child-oriented. Teachers provide children with a certain choice of activities so that children can independently choose the activities they are interested in, and focus on them. They spend a lot of time on exploration, discovery, learning, and growth. During this period, the main body of exploration is students. Teachers do not limit children’s activities, but provide guidance and help and a period of undisturbed learning time.
2. Students can move freely and use teaching aids in the classroom. The most representative of Montessori schools is their unique educational environment. Montessori’s educational environment is a well-designed open and safe space, which uses a wide range of professional materials so that children can learn and explore the surrounding environment every day, and get development and growth from it.
If you are interested, you can also buy suitable toys and make arrangements to build a simple environment for your children at home.
First of all: identify your child’s stage of development, Montessori has four distinct periods. Each stage has different characteristics. Montessori education encourages different education methods for children at different stages, so distinguishing your child’s stage is the first step.
Second, choose the right toys and teaching materials. Choose toys made of natural materials, such as wood and metal. Natural materials can stimulate children’s senses through appearance, feeling, and smell. Choose toys and teaching materials based on real-life to help children learn to be based on reality rather than fantasy. Choosing nonpassive toys can stimulate children’s ideas, make decisions, and firmly follow their wishes. Finally, don’t prepare too many toys at one time, which will distract children’s attention. It’s difficult for children to make decisions among many choices. You need to observe the changes in children’s interests and preferences from time to time and adjust and replace toys based on them.
Third, choose the right shelf for your toys. Choose a low, solid, and stable cabinet made of natural materials, preferably with a certain weight or can be nailed on the wall, not easy to overturn, so that your child can help himself stand and learn to walk, and can easily get what he wants.
Whether you are a professional parent receiving Montessori education or just dabbling in Montessori education methods, preparing a simple Montessori environment is a good starting point. It can help your children open a new world full of creativity, help them think independently, and gain a sense of responsibility.
