The Montessori Method
Activity in the Ladybird's class
Dr. Montessori believed the most important period in a child's life is from birth to the age of six. The process of learning starts with impressions being absorbed unconsciously and gradually from movement and manipulation of objects in the environment the child constructs an understanding of the outside world.
The basic idea of the Montessori method is freedom within a structured environment. Being free to explore and interact with the environment and so construct a cognitive understanding of it. The impressions he has already absorbed become meaningful and he becomes conscious. The child passes through "sensitive periods". These are periods when the child is ready to learn certain concepts and does so more easily than at any other time.
The Prepared Environment
Self teaching
The classroom in a Montessori School is called "The Prepared Environment". Everything is child-sized. Materials are laid out in an orderly fashion, everything has its own place and within easy reach. This promotes independence and allows freedom of choice. The environment is simple yet pleasing. It is not over stimulating or over-crowded. The children are vertically grouped and not segregated by age or sex.
The Teacher
Learning the language
A Montessori teacher is also known as "a directress". Dr. Montessori preferred this term as she differs from a traditional teacher in the sense that, she is the "dynamic link" between the child and his environment from which he learns, rather than "teaching" the child by merely imparting knowledge. The Montessori teacher observes the child and knows the right time to present the various materials and exercises to him. Records are kept for every child. Most of the teaching is done on a one to one basis with each child setting the pace.
