HOW WE DO
THE SENSITIVE PERIOD: IT COMES FOR A MOMENT BUT ITS BENEFITS LAST FOR A LIFETIME - Maria Montessori
Why Montessori? What is Montessori? Are all Montessori learning methods the same? Why do children have so much freedom in the Montessori learning environment? How come they are so focused, and not wild and loud? These and many other similar questions are always on the minds of any parent.
The Montessori method of learning is a child-centric activity-based learning approach based on scientific observations of children. The Montessori system has been around for over 100 years across the world. It’s our opportunity to show you just how different and wonderful Montessori is for children when done right! You will discover the attributes of a high-quality, authentic Montessori learning environment. You will learn what to look for in a Montessori method of learning and why finding a good Montessori learning environment can change your child’s life for the better. Below are the four important differentiators of a true Montessori method of learning.
MIXED AGE GROUPS
The mixed-age group gives the opportunity for peer learning and to be optimally challenged, no matter where the child falls on the ability scale. It also provides the ability for every child to be the younger, middle, and older sibling. These family-like communities make individualized, self-motivated learning possible and support the development of mature, pro-social skills.
UNINTERRUPTED LEARNING TIME
More than adults, a child needs time, time to decide what to do, to do it themselves, at their own pace, on their own terms, without the constant threat of being told to stop before they are all done and to move on to the next thing. In the Montessori method, children never get shuttled by facilitators from one scheduled activity to the next, this allows children to truly immerse themselves in any one activity, to forget about everything else, and just live in the moment, for the pure enjoyment of doing whatever they are doing.
MONTESSORI LEARNING MATERIALS
Montessori learning materials are scientifically designed and are sensory-based learning tools that provide children with opportunities to discover learning through independent learning, repetition, and practice. Montessori system uses natural materials, therefore, natural consequences are inherent in the classrooms when items break and the materials are no longer available to work with. Children love their materials, with only one-of-a-kind material available, they naturally develop concentration, patience, respect for materials, self-control, and precision.
HIGHLY-TRAINED FACILITATORS
The core purpose of a facilitator is to identify each individual learning curve and facilitate their learning process. To become a highly-trained Montessori facilitator, one needs years of training on how to use the Montessori learning materials for different age groups. Only facilitators who are committed, passionate, imaginative, make learning interesting and exciting can become a true Montessori facilitator. They are better experienced to handle children’s emotions as a group or as an individual. Having a small group of learners in a spacious environment helps the Montessori facilitator achieve the above much better than other systems.
