In the field of education of small children Montessori education methods and "Montessori Schools" have become widely accepted the world over. It is a tremendous tribute to Italian educator Dr. Maria Montessori who developed her concepts about educational methods for children in the late 19th century. Few of us know that the Montessori methods that are so acclaimed were developed while Maria Montessori was studying educational environment of children with physical and mental disabilities.
Subjects covered by preschool curriculum are taught in the Montessori schools but they are taught by Montessori approach. Dr. Montessori believed that children do not develop and think the way adults do and that they set direction to their own learning by choosing from among the resources and materials available to them. This forms the basic concept of Montessori methods. The teacher's role is to provide suitable material to children and then remain a "silent presence" in the classroom.
The Montessori learning method is based on the observation and understanding that a child's mind up to the age of six has tremendous capacity to assimilate and that he is strongly driven by an urge to understand and perfect his skills within his environment. Young children have the ability to learn by repetitious activities within specific sensitive periods; for example, his incessant babbling, which to us is quite incomprehensible, is his language practice; it leads to his language competence.
Elementary schooling generally starts at the age of five or six; however, smaller children can learn and can absorb knowledge quickly, and they have interest and inquisitiveness about the world around them. This naturally makes them suitable to receive education. Montessori learning methods are quite suitable for this condition even though the children are not yet fit for regular elementary education.
Though Montessori education methods are popularly applied in preschool settings there is yet another form of school that is popular as a preschool system and that is Kindergarten. Kindergarten aims to provide the transition from the home atmosphere to the formal schooling. Here children develop basic skills through play and they are taught social interaction. Pre K (pre-kindergarten) school provides an environment very similar to that provided by Montessori schools for children of age groups of three and four.
Montessori education is a part of the preschool education in America. Montessori education has been most widely spread in USA; there are about 4,000 Montessori schools in the USA. Montessori schools are found almost anywhere in the world; there are about 8,000 Montessori schools the world over.
The focus of Dr. Montessori's initial work was children of preschool age. In later years she took up research in adapting her approach to elementary schools also. Towards the end of her life, in her book she described how her teaching methods could be applied to secondary schooling and colleges also.
"Montessori" is not a trade mark. There are many schools that may misrepresent by using the name of Montessori school; parents always need to be cautious in enrolling their children in Montessori school.
About the Author:
To learn exactly how many cope with montessori education, please come by my site about preschool programs for more timely tips.
0 comments:
Post a Comment