Montessori philosophy:
Dr Maria Montessori believed that every child is unique and born with special potentialities. She terms the ages between 0-6 as “formative ages” where the child's brain is compared to a fertile land ready to grow any number of quality seeds in terms of concepts and under- s ta n d in g . A cco rd in g to th e researchers 90% ofthe brain development happens between the ages of 0-6, Which is the age of children in preschool. So it becomes extremely important that a child in a pre-school has to be exposed to “prepared” and “structured” environmentwhich supports in his/her all round development such as Physical Cognitive Language & Socio–emotional development. The Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum DAC which draws its ideology from child psychology helps the children in theirall-round development
What Makes Montessori Education Unique?
Montessori is a world renowned philosophy of education. It is an educational approach th at encoura ges and guides the unfolding of a child's maximum potential. This meaning to allow for the fullest physical, spiritual, and intellectual development by assisting the child to educate themselves at their own pace. A specially prepared environment is created with an ordered array of sequential learning materials to guide the child in self-directed, hands-on sensorial activities. The concrete materials require manipulation with the use of the hands to develop the mind. Montessori method is designed to take full advantage of the innate desire to explore and discover, which each and every child carries within them. The Montessori concepts and principles are simple yet very effective. Allowing each individual child to develop and learn naturally at their own pace. The basic concepts and principles of Montessori education are as follows:
The Prepared Environment
The environment ofthe child itself tends to either foster creativity or restrict it. Based on Montessori principles "The Prepared Environment" was created & devised to be consistent with the needs of a child during their process of learning and development. Given the appropriate environment each child is enabled to develop and learn naturally through spontaneous, effortless, self-directed activities
Freedom within limits
In order for the learning process to achieve maximum results, there needs to be freedom. Freedom of movement and choice. A Montessori child is encouraged to follow what interests him the most. The child is free to work and learn in the classroom at his own pace. Every aspect of the presentation and proper handling of materials encompasses a much broader meaning. It puts into harmony a balance of freedom and structure. Whereas one does not overpower the other. This careful blend allows each child, the freedom of choice and movement, a respected right to choose and move freely. This in turn initiates many processes one of which is gaining independence, another is self-reliance and self-sufficiency. This emphasis on freedom is the onlyway to satisfy the childrens' own need for productivity and fulfilment. Yet in the midst of all this freedom, there underlies structure. The structure that is created when a child knows to put back their learning materials in the proper place and order. When a child knows that their individual work is respected as their own. Where it is very natural for a young child to want to work alone and is uninterrupted. Thus constructing important rules and guidelines that prove to be mutuallybeneficial and therefore rewarding
When a child knows that their individual work is respected as their own. Where it is very natural for a young child to want to work alone and is uninterrupted. Thus constructing important rules and guidelines that prove to be mutuallybeneficialand therefore rewarding.
The Montessori Teacher
“Directress" as Dr Montessori coined the term, guides the child through an ordered arrangement ofdevelopmentallyappropriate activities. The teacher does not teach per say, but instead assists the child to slowlygain masteryof the carefully thought out environment prepared especially for him/her. She demonstrates the correct process in using the materials as they are individuallychosen bythe children. The presentations are brief and efficient, giving just enough information to intrigue them so that they will come back to investigate later. She is a keen observer of the specific interests that pique the curiosity of each child. Observation is crucial to the Montessori Method. She keeps an accurate record of their strengths, accomplishments and work. Thus the role of the teacher is not to lecture with pre-existing knowledge and theory. But instead, to connect each child with the world around them through creative, hands on, sensory integrated materials. To help the child better understand and grasp the concepts presented to him/her. Encouraging each child as they strive to reach theirmaximum potentialat his/herindividualpace.
Teachers training:
It is not just important to have a prepared and structured environment with allrequired educational equipments but, it is also equally important that the environment should be monitored by a sensible and trained adult who understands and believes in Montessori philosophy
Course Structure: Montessori Principle & Philosophy
The Philosophygives an understanding ofDr. Montessori's practicalresearch on the young children such as their
1. To discuss the principles of the Montessori method & its application in the classroom, to understand that the Montessori environment is child centered
2. Lessons are given on individualbasis.
3. To reviewthe effects ofthe prepared environment on young children
4. Finallythe role ofthe Directress in the Montessori classroom.
5. Absorbent Mind
6. Sensitive Period
7. Naturallaws ofDevelopment
8. Normalisation.
9. Child Development: The Earlyyears, Child Care
These topics assists the trainees to understand how a child develops physically, cognitively, socially & in terms of language. It also gives an understanding of how a child's development in one area that affects his/her development in anotherareas
Curriculum Planning:
This topic intends to help the learner understand all the factors of Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum (DAC). The major emphasis of the course is to see howcurrent emerging theories, specificallythe Montessori Theory, relates to ourunderstanding ofCurriculum Development.