The Montessori Method was put into practice by the Italian educator Maria Montessori at the beginning of the XNUMXth century and conceives a type of education in which children play and learn in a totally autonomous and independent way of adults. The great results of this method have caused that over the years it has been gaining a lot of strength in regards to early childhood education.
In the following article we will talk to you in a more detailed way about the Montessori Method and of the benefits it has for children.
Fundamental elements of the Montessori Method
There are a series of key elements that serve to identify the Montessori Method:
- Respect for Individuality. Each child is unique and different, so they will develop independently. Education focuses on the child as an individual being and as such, her individuality must be respected.
- Special and appropriate environment. The place where children work must be designed to facilitate their independence. The materials are shown accessible as well as ordered and the classroom is adapted with the aim of encouraging exploration and collaboration among children.
- Individual type learning. Children will make their own decisions when it comes to learning. The teachers are professionals who help the children when they really need it.
- Sensory level learning. The materials of this type of education seek to involve all the senses of the children in order to understand abstract concepts.
How is the environment in the Montessori Method
- The materials in the Montessori Method have the objective to promote autonomous learning and understanding of abstract concepts. Each material will have a clear and concise educational purpose.
- In the Montessori Method, children of different ages are usually grouped in the same class. This allows for greater collaboration between children. On the one hand, the little ones pay attention to the older ones and they strengthen their learning by teaching the younger children.
- The children have Total freedom when moving around the classroom. You can freely choose what you want to do according to your needs.
- They have as much time as they want to do their activities. This results in a positive way in their learning and development.
What role does the teacher play in the Montessori Method?
The role of the teacher in this educational method is quite different from that of the more traditional teacher. The teachers act as support staff and as a guide so that the children do not have any type of problem when carrying out their activities. In any case, the functions of the teacher in the Montessori Method are the following:
- Teachers observe that children understand all their needs respecting their autonomy.
- They provide support when the children need it but promoting their individuality.
- They are responsible for encouraging children to help each other and collaborate together when doing different activities.
Benefits of the Montessori Method
There are several benefits that this method brings with regard to the education of children:
- Thanks to this Method the children they become more independent. They are able to make decisions by themselves and carry out activities without the help of anyone. All this has a positive effect on both their confidence and their self-esteem.
- It is produced a love of learning which continues into adulthood.
- Since they have total freedom when it comes to learning, trust and security in his person is much greater than that produced in traditional teaching.
- Children who receive this type of education are able to make decisions and perform tasks for themselves, something that redounds in favor of greater independence and self-confidence.
- By working in different groups of different ages, the child acquires a series of quite important social skills. as is the case of empathy, respect or friendship.
- Work continuously or prolonged without any interruptions It will foster the ability to stay focused. This is something really positive when studying.
- It has been possible to demonstrate that working according to this method Encourages children's creativity and imagination. On the other hand, it should be noted that the students of the Montessori Method have a greater facility when it comes to solving different problems that could occur on a day-to-day basis.
Is it possible to work at home according to the Montessori Method?
It is possible and feasible to be able to adapt the home space so that the children follow this type of education. The important thing is to adapt said space so that children continue to foster such an important skill. how is independence. For this, it is essential to apply the fundamental principles of this type of method: order, aesthetics, interest and objective.
Parents must take into account the different needs of the child and allow their autonomy and independence. All this can be achieved by giving him some responsibility in the chores of the house and teaching him a series of fundamental values. In this way, it is essential to meet a series of points such as: an ideal and adequate environment, a trained and prepared adult and some social support.
In short, the so-called Montessori Method It has been gaining in popularity in recent years. It is a way or way of educating that seeks for children to learn and develop in an autonomous and independent way. All this has helped to achieve good learning in children and promote a series of skills that are essential throughout life. As you have seen, the benefits are really good, which is why many teaching professionals opt for this type of method when educating children.