Maria Montessori Maria Montessori is a pioneer of modern education infused with the spirit of love, humanitarianism, and tolerance, with the child occupying the central role.
The pillars of Montessori education in the preschool setting focus on several key elements that promote healthy development and independence in children.
Prepared environment: Prepared Environment: Montessori preschools are designed to create a friendly, stimulating, enriching, and well- organized environment for children. They are equipped with specially designed developmental materials that are accessible on shelves at the child's height, allowing them to independently access the materials without adult assistance. These materials meet strict requirements and are arranged in a logical sequence to enable children to develop their interests, competencies, and skills at their own pace.
An uninterrupted cycle of 3 hours of personal work: In a Montessori preschool, children have the opportunity to engage in an uninterrupted cycle of 3 hours of their own work. They are free to choose which activity they will do, what aids they will work with and how long they will focus on each activity. They choose where they work (it can be a table, floor, rug, they can sit, move, stand up, or even lie down if the aid allows it), and they decide whether they will invite another child to join them in their work. They also learn to respect the other children's space and work by being able to demand the integrity of their own work area. Respecting a child's boundaries is the best way to ensure that, over time, respecting other people's boundaries will be as natural and obvious to them as breathing. This longer work session allows the child to focus on the task at hand, teaches her to bring the activity to completion, and fosters the development of perseverance and concentration. Work with each aid is preceded by its individual presentation by the teacher, because developmental aids have specific functions and are introduced gradually, as the child acquires more competencies.
Freedom of the child to choose the type and place of work: as we mentioned above, but worth emphasizing, children in a Montessori kindergarten are free to choose which tasks they want to do, where and how they want to work. This changes the conventional school rules of the game. There are no group tasks performed at the teacher's command, no forcing of specific activities, supposedly necessary for development. A variety of competencies can be acquired in an infinite number of ways, so preparation for learning to write absolutely does not have to consist of drawing slides. More valuable will be pouring water, punching patterns, working with clay or so-called metal frames. Children have access to a variety of developmental materials and are encouraged to experiment and explore different areas, such as mathematics, languages, nature, art. Children can work independently or in groups, depending on their preferences.
Teachers as guides and observers: Montessori kindergarten teachers act as guides and observers. They do not impose knowledge on children, do not lecture, but try to understand the individual needs, sensitive phases and interests of their charges. Teachers observe children closely and in a specific way to determine their skill level and adapt educational materials to their individual needs. They are also available to provide help and support when children need it.
No punishments, rewards or assessments: no punishments, rewards or grades are used in a Montessori preschool. The Montessori environment encourages the development of self-discipline and promotes intrinsic motivation. Children learn independence, responsibility and cooperation without being motivated by external stimuli.
Use of sensitive phases in development: Montessori pedagogy is based on the premise that children go through periods of sensitivity in which they are particularly susceptible to learning certain skills. A Montessori preschool takes into account these periods of sensitivity and provides appropriate materials and activities that support children's development in these areas.
Respect for the autonomy and freedom of the child: Montessori preschool places great emphasis on respect for the child's autonomy and freedom. Children are given the opportunity to make their own decisions, express their needs and participate in the decision-making process concerning themselves and the community as a whole. Teachers support and respect these choices, allowing children to develop independence and agency.