1. The absorbent mind (birth to 6 years)
2. Childhood (6 - 12 years)
3. Adolescence (12 - 18 years)
Her pedagogy identifies that when children are at a young age they learn best through active learning, by having the freedom of movement and choice and being independent. She also noted that children at this age, from birth to 6 years, need to be guided by a 'sensitive teacher' to help them with their learning by creating an environment that's suitable for their development (Isaacs).
Therefore, the first ever Montessori school (Casa Dei Bambini) was set up by Maria Montessori. The following video shows the environment of a Montessori classroom.
As you can see, a Montessori school has a few specific features, for example, the classroom is more spacious, the furniture is child sized, there's a lot more open floor space.
The following points are the key principles of the Montessori approach;
- Freedom - children are encouraged to learn by themselves by having the freedom of movement and choice.
- Vertical Grouping - children work/play with other age groups which are beneficial as they learn from each other. The Montessori approach is about children keeping the idea of family and they do this by vertical grouping.
- Control of error - some activities are designed to show errors so that children know when they've gone wrong. They have self correcting activities such as puzzles.
- Scaffolding - this happens through vertical grouping, the director and through the repetition of tasks.
- Observation and Assessment
- Promoting Self discipline - children are actively involved in their activities and are given responsibilities at a young age, for example, placing toys back where they got them from (Isaacs).
Montessori's work has had a positive impact on the education of children all around the world and today the Montessori website, states that in the United Kingdom there are currently around 700 Montessori nurseries and schools.
http://www.montessori.org.uk/
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