3 Elements of Montessori Education

Four Planes

of Development

Through research and observation, Dr. Montessori created this model that helps us to see and understand the characteristics that children have at different ages and stages of their lives. Each of these four stages (0-6, 6-12, 12-18, 18-24) has very distinct and different characteristics, needs,

and goals, and her method is curated

to support these characteristics.

Absorbent Mind

Maria Montessori described

the child's sponge-like capacity

to absorb from the environment what is necessary to create an individual from his or her specific culture as their "absorbent mind". This quality possessed by the child lasts until the age of about six when there is a transition

to the reasoning mind we

have as adults.

Sensitive Periods

That period of time when a child is most

open to learning certain ideas. These sensitive periods highlight the important moments in the child’s life and provide the child a special ability to focus on that area. And it’s nearly like watching a miracle happen when you see this intense focus the child can have during these sensitive periods and how they are quite literally constructing themselves during these time frames.

Examples include:

Language

Order

Refinement of the Senses

Movement

Small Object Attraction

Social Behavior

Psychology

Human Tendencies

Dr. Montessori recognized

that every human is born with

certain tendencies, which, if nurtured at

a young age, aids the child to achieving their potential:

Exploration Orientation

Order Communication

Abstraction Imagination

Mathematical Mind

Work Activity

Repetition Exactness

Manipulation

(work of the hands)

Neurologists have proven what Dr. Montessori discovered through observation

115 years ago.

Scientifically-based

educational approach that

emphasizes:

• Supporting the child's complete

development as they progress

from birth to adulthood

• Independence
• Freedom within limits
• Respect for the child's natural,

psychological, physical, and

social development

Dr. Montessori saw education

as an aid for life.

Philosophy

What beliefs do we hold to be true?

Three

Elements

of Montessori Education

Montessori educators know that

knowledge isn't passively gained by

listening to adults lecturing and

directing children. Because of this,

Montessori classrooms:

Are active places of hands-on learning that offer a multi-age-level approach to learning, unlike traditional schools, preschools, or daycare programs.

Students remain with one teacher for multiple years once they reach Children's House, creating strong bonds between the teacher and child, between the teacher

and the parents, and

between students.

The Prepared

Environment

Everything around the child is specially designed and prepared to help support the child's independence and auto-education, including everything they perceive. We educate children AT ALL TIMES. They see everything and they take everything in at all times. A well-prepared environment can function much

like another teacher

in the classroom.

Dr. Montessori believed that humans are born full of potential and that education should function as a release of this potential from within.

Because of this, Montessori education calls for students to understand and be advocates for values like peace, community, stewardship, justice, equality, and compassion.

Methodology

The Materials

Dr. Montessori called her materials, “the silent teacher”. These scientifically-based materials that she developed will allow for the child to be active and actively involved in creating their own education. This allows self-direction and self-correction by the child -

an auto-education.

This is HOW everything happens. This formula is essential and all three elements must be present.

The Prepared Adult

The intellectual, physical, and spiritual preparation of the educator is essential.

One of the greatest challenges for

Montessori educators is making the personal transformation needed to treat children with the radical respect they need. It is easy to get caught up in the visible Montessori prepared environment of beautiful materials and presenting those activities to the children. However, without sufficient inner preparation of the adult, it is difficult to support children

to blossom in that

amazing environment.