In recent years, there have been many early-childhood education methods on the rise. However, by the early 20th century, Dr Maria Montessori developed the Montessori Philosophy to enhance child-centred education by creating a method that emphasised a child’s natural development. This method focused on targeting each child’s unique needs and allowing them to learn at their own pace. Implementing these principles, a Montessori childcare center provides an environment that fosters independent learning and holistic development, making it an ideal setting for cultivating the innate potential of young learners.
What is Montessori Philosophy?
Dr Montessori believed that children learn better through an innate desire to learn and that to reach their full potential, they need an environment that fosters exploration, discovery, and independence starting from a young age. She believed it is of the utmost importance to encourage this method as early as possible whilst a child is receptive to certain types of learning experiences.
The Montessori classroom today provides specially crafted learning experiences for child-led activities. This experience encourages children to engage in spontaneous and purposeful activities, guided by a trained professional. The Montessori classroom and activities help children develop a joyful sense of discipline when it comes to learning and exploring the world of education.
What is The Montessori Method of Learning?
One of the main features of the Montessori method is the creation of a spacious and stimulating setting that allows children to pursue their natural curiosity. The method is based on several core principles, such as:
- Self-direct learning
Children are encouraged to explore a wide range of activities and opportunities based on their personal interests. They have the flexibility to engage with different things and be independent, allowing them to learn at their own pace. - Mixed-age classrooms
The Montessori method differs from other teaching methods in how it fosters a cohesive classroom. It encourages students of different ages to learn together, ranging from 3 to 6 years old in one class. The older children are encouraged to help younger participants which in turn help their development process as well. - Individualised learning
Catering to each child’s unique needs, Montessori learning also enhances their natural curiosity through individual and personalised learning experiences. Teachers structure lessons based on each child’s pace and learning capabilities whilst providing a more open environment for each child. - Hands-on learning and sensorial experience
One of the main features of Montessori materials is that they appeal to the senses and invite children to explore them with their hands. Children can learn various concepts through different materials, which provide sensory feedback and stimulate their curiosity. Montessori materials are not just passive objects, but active tools for learning. - Respect for the child
The Montessori approach also views children as capable individuals who should always be treated with respect, trust and kindness. The Montessori classroom encourages and understands a child’s natural curiosity and gives them the ability to quickly learn and adapt using their own personal and lived experiences. - Freedom within limits
The Montessori method allows children to be creatively independent within the guidelines of their rules. This helps instil good values such as respect and cooperation to help a child become a contributing member of society.
Pros of Montessori Learning
The Montessori method helps children engage with their education and peers and helps them form strong values such as self-directed learning which allows a more open and explorative experience. Montessori learning also helps build self-confidence and embraces the natural potential of each child, here are a few more reasons why you should consider enrolling your child in a Montessori program:
Montessori promotes Independence Through Self-Paced Learning
Every child is different, based on their background, skillset, and learning pace. The Montessori method offers a sense of belonging for everyone, catering to each child to build a sense of self-confidence, and freedom. The Montessori method helps provides children with the room to grow and explore while instilling in them strong values of independence from an early age. The independent structure of the Montessori method is also beneficial as studies have shown that children gain valuable learning experiences and hit phycological, physical, and social milestones faster than those in traditional schools.
Montessori Learning Emphasises Hands-on Learning
Montessori classrooms are known for their outdoor activities, helping children explore the world around them which is important to a child’s development process. The Montessori method helps children discover creative and abstract ideas, through different activities and sensory-based learning. One of the benefits of Montessori learning is that it helps children to learn complex words and to recognise intellectual ideas. It also helps them to improve their fine motor skills, their visual-spatial skills and their hand-eye coordination. Montessori believed that children have absorbent minds, which is why it’s important to let them engage while they’re still very young. This allows children to explore their senses, beyond a typical classroom.
Develops Social Interaction Skills
Montessori programs are designed to be in groups for a reason. Group learning provides the best basis for developing a child’s social interaction skills and helps them embrace peer-to-peer learning. Older children are encouraged to interact with younger children by sharing a variety of activities and experiences while being in the same class which helps develop soft skills. This benefits both groups of children; an older child might learn to have better communication skills by sharing activities and lessons with a younger child, and a younger child benefits from faster growth while observing elders in the same class.
Nurture Self-Motivation and A Love for Learning
Children often see the learning process as a struggle or pressure. Through the Montessori learning process, children are encouraged to have self-motivation in the classroom resulting in a love for learning rather than a chore. Teaching children the Montessori values will help grow their curious mindset and the love to explore. Learning will no longer be a burden-filled experience, but a joyous journey, filled with unexpected findings and limitless potential. Introducing these values at an early age helps foster their curiosity and passion for learning and discovering new things. These skill sets set them up not only for the next stage of their education but for life.
Supports Special Needs Kids
Dr Montessori’s prior research on disabilities and education helped her understand the most effective educational approaches to help those with learning disabilities and retain knowledge. It is a foundation for many learning materials that we know and use today. This form of education is made to teach activities to special needs kids, ensuring that they have the same experience other kids do. Nowadays, the Montessori method applies to every child giving them the best learning experience possible, regardless of having preexisting special needs conditions or not.
Montessori vs Other Teaching Methods
The Montessori method is different from traditional school methods, as each process has very distinct approaches.
A Lasting Word from Kynd
The Montessori philosophy and method of learning offers a child-centred approach to education, emphasising children’s natural development, curiosity, and innate desire to learn. By providing a prepared environment that fosters exploration, discovery, and independence, Montessori classrooms cater to each child’s unique needs and learning pace. The Montessori method stands out for its emphasis on self-directed learning, mixed-age classrooms, individualized instruction, hands-on and sensory experiences, and the cultivation of respect for each child. This approach promotes independence, self-motivation, a love for learning, and strong social interaction skills whilst setting a solid foundation for a child’s lifelong educational journey.
Montessori Education at Kynd
At Kynd Montessori Childcare, we incorporate the Montessori method throughout all our programs with the help of our incredible teaching staff. Our classes are intentionally kept small to enhance one-on-one interaction between educators and children. By dedicating more time to each child, we nurture their creativity and support their social adjustment, ultimately contributing to their overall growth and development. The more time we put into our children, the greater they thrive in their creativity and social adjustment. Our programs are designed for children to adapt to the ever-changing complexities and problems of life and set them up for future schooling and life success.
We provide programs from toddlers to preschoolers with a variety of activities that you and your children can choose from.
Our curriculum covers a wide range of topics from sensorial development, arts & crafts, language, culture and many more.
Our values and commitment are to support families and children
Our staff also prepares daily reports for each child documenting their eating, sleeping and toileting patterns. We also record and provide monthly observations of your child’s progress, so if there are any unexpected learning roadblocks they are addressed quickly.
We want to teach, inspire and create the next generation of children encouraging them to become independent and confident learners that trust in their own abilities. Contact us to book a visit at Kynd Montessori, please use this form, email us at [email protected] or call us directly on 0426 286 676.
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