Sunday, March 16, 2008

Misconceptions about the Montessori Method

1. Montessori is too structured. It doesn't allow for the child's freedom and creativity.
2. The Montessori Method isn't structured enough for my child.
3. Montessori lets kids do whatever they want.
4. Maria Montessori was against fantasy; she didn't believe in letting kids be creative.
5. Montessori doesn't allow the children to play; they spend all their time working.
6. Montessori discourages children from working together.
7. Montessori pushes academics on children before they are really ready.
8. Maria Montessori was an occultist and the Montessori method is based on evil teachings.
9. Children in early Montessori schools were taught to sweep and clean as training for becoming servant girls when they got older.

Source: http://grinmamablues.blogspot.com/search/label/Montessori

Thursday, March 13, 2008

What is Montessori

The Montessori method is an educational method for children, based on theories of child development originated by Italian educator Maria Montessori in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is applied primarily in preschool and elementary school settings, though some Montessori high schools exist.

The method is characterized by an emphasis on self-directed activity on the part of the child and clinical observation on the part of the teacher (often called a "director", "directress", or "guide"). It stresses the importance of adapting the child's learning environment to his or her developmental level, and of the role of physical activity in absorbing academic concepts and practical skills.

Although there are many schools which use the name "Montessori," the word itself is not recognized as a trademark, nor is it associated with a single specific organization. Thus it is legally possible to use the term "Montessori" without necessary adherence to a particular training or teaching method. This is why it is imperative for parents to know which school their children attend, and to ask questions of the schools as well as do research in order to distinguish between a school that can legally use the Montessori name and those that actually use Montessori teaching methods.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montessori

Quotes by Maria Montessori

Some of Maria Montessori Quotes about Montessori Education:

“It is true that we cannot make a genius. We can only give to teach child the chance to fulfil his potential possibilities.”

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“Little children, from the moment they are weaned, are making their way toward independence.”

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“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”

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“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”

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“Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.”

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“The first essential for the child’s development is concentration. The child who concentrates is immensely happy.”

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“Respect all the reasonable forms of activity in which the child engages and try to understand them.”

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“Plainly, the environment must be a living one, directed by a higher intelligence, arranged by an adult who is prepared for his mission.”




Source: Montessori Quotes