Long Beach City College



Montessori Method(short blurb) The Montessori Method of education is based on the theories originated by the Italian educator, Maria Montessori. Young children educated in the Montessori method participate in self-directed activity that is guided by teachers who build their curriculum from clinical observation of the children. There is an emphasis on adapting the children’s environment to meet their specific developmental level and the use of self-correcting equipment (toys) to introduce various concepts. (In-depth description) The Montessori method is built on the idea that children are not small adults, that they think and act differently and need a unique type of education all their own. Maria Montessori believed that children have very absorbed minds, and are capable from a very young age to direct their own learning. Montessori also believed that there are sensitive periods in children’s development, times when children’s minds are more open to learning specific skills or knowledge. Some unique features of the Montessori Method are:Six defined areas of curriculum; practical life, sensorial, cultural, science, language and math. Self-correcting materials; because the Montessori philosophy believes that children learn through discovery didactic materials that are specifically designed to teach specific skills and knowledge are used. Each set of materials has one correct way of completion and children are trained in that use prior to participating with the equipment. The teachers role; in the Montessori method the teacher is seen as a guide and facilitator. The teacher prepares the environment, introduces materials and records children’s progress in order to determine which materials and experiences should be offered next. Emphasis on world cultures; the emphasis on world cultures includes learning the concept of continent and country, the names of many countries around the world and building a basic understanding about the specifics of different cultures around the world.History and Major TheoristsMaria Montessori is the founder and sole theorist associated with the Montessori method of education. Although her philosophy shares many tenets with Piaget, Erickson and others, the philosophy is all her own. Maria Montessori was an Italian born physician who became fascinated with how children learn when she was working with children in the slums of Rome. By creating a specialized environment, developing specialized materials and a method for how teachers should support children in using the environment and materials she found that all children had the capacity for learning. In 1907 Maria Montessori opened her first school, Casa Bambino, for young children in Rome. Since that time the Montessori method has grown into an internationally recognized philosophy that is used in preschool, elementary and even high schools worldwide. Considerations for teachersWould I need any special training or experience beyond my child development units to work in a school with this philosophy?Although there is no legal requirement that a Montessori teacher be certified in the Montessori Method, both of major Montessori professional organizations emphasize that specific Montessori training is essential to being a qualified Montessori teacher. Numerous Montessori training academies exist worldwide and both the American Montessori Association and the Association Montessori International recommend that teachers should only attend accredited training academies and classes. Long story-short: accredited Montessori schools would require teachers to have specific Montessori training. If I visited a school with this philosophy, what would I see? Each Montessori school is uniquely different. Because the Montessori method is not trademarked in any way, each school is free to adapt the philosophy as the see fit. Some unique features that you would see in most Montessori schools would be:Self-contained/self-correcting materials, specific to the Montessori methodChildren working independentlyTeachers demonstrating the proper use of equipmentMaterials and activities focused on world culturesA peaceful environment that has many natural elements such as plants and animals.ResourcesBooksLillard, Angeline: Montessori: The Science behind the Genius Lillard, Paula P. (1996). Montessori Today. Loeffler, Margaret Howard: Montessori in Contemporary American Culture Montessori, Maria: The Discovery of the Child Montessori, Maria: The Montessori Method Montessori, Maria: The Secret of Childhood ArticlesWeb linksAssociationsAssociation Montessori Internationale: Montessori Association: International Montessori Index: Alumni and Teacher Network: Montessori Foundation (the international Montessori council): North American Montessori Teachers Association: montessori-Schools: For a complete listing of accredited schools see Association Montessori International: () American Montessori Association: International Montessori Academy, Pasadena California. Oak Knoll Kinderhaus Montessori School; La Canada California. Scripps Montessori School; San Diego California. Peninsula Montessori School; Torrance, California. Global Montessori School of Westwood; Los Angeles California. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download