THE MONTESSORI IDEALIST
ARTICLE 4
The Montessori Approach
By: Holly Carter RECE, Montessori Directress
“What is Montessori?”, “What does it mean when you are sending your little one to a Montessori school?” These questions are often posed by prospective parents while investigating various early-learning facilities, and rightfully so: The early years of a child’s life serve as the foundation for all future learning.
So, why Montessori?
The answer is both easy and complex. If you are looking for a holistic approach to childcare where your child is appreciated for his/her own unique capabilities, Montessori is for you!
The Montessori Approach, first and foremost, recognizes the child’s natural spirituality. Spiritual in this context does not translate into denominational religion by any means. The term is used to describe what children inherently are: Good human beings. As Montessorians, our approach is one that believes in personal freedom of developmental without pressure. When a child is immersed in spiritual freedom, they are able to connect to the world around them and thus begin to live in a holistic, meaningful way.
Freedom extends into other fundamental realms of Montessori education: A natural need to follow intrinsic impulse. From the work of the shelves to the furniture itself, each classroom is equipped to promote every child’s innate will to discover and learn. Our approach allows for a child to work at his/her own pace while accommodating a wide variety of needs within the room. This very freedom allows every child to develop as unique, spontaneous and creative individuals.
While fostering freedom, Montessori directresses pay close attention to and make anecdotal records of sensitive periods. Sensitive periods occur throughout a child’s life. During these times, children are able to focus on and absorb an activity at a very intense yet easy rate. Sensitive periods encompass such areas as order, sensory refinement, language acquisition, gross and fine motor dexterity and social involvement. Being in tune with sensitive periods allow Montessorians to guide natural interest and subsequent achievement.
With heightened awareness of environment comes heightened senses. The Montessori Approach encourages learning through, rather that despite, senses. All materials within the classroom are specifically designed to capture intrigue. If a child is drawn to an activity, the directress can guide and extend on the learning process. Seemingly “simple” activities, like spooning and sorting, can isolate senses and become valuable, teachable moments.
Teaching comes by three different means in this environment: Self-teaching, directress guided and observation. With a variety of ages intermixed, teaching and learning become a two-way street. Younger children are able to observe older children and thus, older children are able to re-enforce learning by teaching. This has always been a main focus of every Montessori institution. The willingness of a community from all ages to not only encourage and support, but actively help and teach one another builds the connection a child has to life and the world around him/her.
As parents are most definitely aware, children have a fascination and need for inquisition, and the freedom to be hands-on. They desire the “whys and hows” of everything they see. The old adage rings extremely true in our environment: Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day; teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for eternity. By providing a child an environment that is free from societal pressure and to work at his/her own pace, it can be assured that the innate “will” can not become burdened and then fatigued. Rather, “work” can cause excitement and energy by fulfilling personal goals known only to each child.
We, as directresses, promise to provide only developmentally appropriate and meaningful work. We also abide by our philosophy of allowing every child to work at a pace that is right for him/her. We work daily to build an environment that fosters freedom, kindness, independence and knowledge without pressure. We are here to encourage awareness, responsibility and self-motivation.
So, why Montessori?
Because it is the smart choice.
