Montessori is a teaching methodology based on the natural learning
processes of children. Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician,
developed the method more than 100 years ago. Dr. Montessori used the
term "the absorbent mind" to describe how a young child learns in a
comfortable and stimulating environment. Within such an environment, a
child becomes absorbed in work, developing concentration, independence,
and self-discipline.
Dr. Montessori believed that children learn best through their senses. By
working with concrete materials, the child begins to understand abstract
concepts. With guidance by a trained Montessori teacher, the child
gradually masters the different materials and concepts. As the child
masters each task, it reinforces learning as a positive experience. Success
develops the child's self-confidence and self-esteem.
The approach has proven successful over the past 100 years to be effective
in any culture and for all socio-economic groups. As a result, the number
of Montessori schools has expanded rapidly throughout the world. During
the last decade, the Montessori movement has grown rapidly in both
public and private education. It is estimated that prior to 1985
approximately 750 private Montessori schools existed. No public schools
had the Montessori program at that time. Since then, the number of
private schools has expanded to 2,500 in the private sector and 1,250 in
public school systems throughout the United States.
The Montessori preparation-training program is 320 contact hours plus an
academic year of supervised internship. During the internship, teachers
learn how to use a variety of the specially designed educational materials.
The intent is to allow children to learn using the materials while the
teacher acts as a guide.
The initial set-up costs for Montessori are high because Montessori
materials are quite different from those normally bought for classrooms.
The average classroom houses over 4,000 specially designed Montessori
materials that must be purchased for the program to succeed.
Additionally, schools are encouraged to use specially designed classroom
furniture including shelves, chairs and tables. However, Montessori
classrooms are only marginally more expensive to maintain because
there is no textbook cost, only consumable products like art materials, etc.
A large classroom space is necessary because Montessori is materials
intensive and allows for freedom of movement. The classroom, called a
"Montessori environment," generally has 20-25 students, a teacher, and
an aide.
Each environment has about a dozen open shelves arranged around the
classroom to create separate and defined areas of study. Each area has a
large set of perfectly complete didactic materials and lessons. Children
freely choose their tasks, as long as they know how to utilize the material.
If they do not, they may ask for an individual presentation.
The specially designed materials are used to teach practical life skills
(necessary for fine motor development and the ability to increase the
child's focus and concentration, as well as sense of independence);
sensory-motor education and cognitive skills development; language
arts; and mathematics. Additionally, special materials and furniture are
used in the Montessori library and listening center, the art center, the
social studies center,and a science center that includes botany, zoology,
animal classification and microscopy. Each of the areas requires a variety
of materials not normally used in classrooms.
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