The Three Montessori Principles (2024)

FAQs

What are the three most important principles of Montessori education? ›

Maria Montessori in The Absorbent Mind. Montessori classrooms are designed intending to carry out the three guiding principles of development: sensorial, intellectual, and moral development. It helps children to see, hear and touch everything of their interest in the room.

The Montessori classroom has three essential components: the child, the Montessori teacher, and the prepared environment. him the best materials. This self-construction is aided by an “absorbent mind.” The child gathers information like a sponge.

The Montessori Curriculum offers children five key areas of study: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Culture. Each learning area is made up of a set of Montessori materials that each teach one key knowledge area or skill.

It is a method all Montessori primary teachers use to introduce new vocabulary and concepts to a child that involves three key steps: naming, recognition, and recall (more on this below). It is often introduced in the toddler classroom as well, albeit less formally.

It emphasizes self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. In Montessori classrooms, children make creative choices in their learning while the classroom and teacher guide and facilitate the process. Students learn through working with specially designed materials rather than direct instruction.

Montessori education links the child, the environment and the teacher in an interdependent triangle. These three components and the unique way they are connected are the pillars of a Montessori education, giving the child the opportunity to develop in accordance with the laws of nature.

Montessori was very clear about interrupting a child at work, but redirection may be necessary when the 3 D's (dangerous, destructive or disrespectful) are occurring in the classroom. Learn some new practical tips to use that are safe, constructive and respectful all at the same time.

Montessori is an education for independence. It provides children with the environment, materials, and guidance to learn to do and think for themselves. It views children as born learners who are capable and willing to teach themselves when provided with the right stimulus.

Montessori is a scientifically based education approach that emphasises independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child's natural psychological, physical, and social development. It was developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori.

What type of child does best in Montessori? ›

Montessori education sparks curiosity in children by allowing them to explore and discover the world around them in a hands-on, experiential way. Naturally curious children who desire to learn will thrive in a Montessori environment. Montessori education also emphasizes collaboration and social skills.

The four pillars, such as sensitive periods, a prepared environment, sensory education, and spontaneous activity through repetition, which play a significant part in teaching guidelines, were explained in the guidelines that were described by (Catherine et al., 2020) .

In simple terms, the three steps, or periods are as follows:

Naming (Introduction) – “This is a dog.” Associating and Recognizing (Identification) – “Show me the dog.” Remembering and Recalling (Cognition) – “What is this?”

The three characteristics of the Montessori Method are the specially built setting, the specially prepared equipment, and the specially trained instructor.

Each child is valued as a unique individual.

Montessori education recognizes that children learn in different ways, and accommodates all learning styles. Students are also free to learn at their own pace, each advancing through the curriculum as he is ready, guided by the teacher and an individualized learning plan.

One of the most central aspects of the Montessori method is educating children on the importance of manners, grace, courtesy, and empathy.

The four pillars, such as sensitive periods, a prepared environment, sensory education, and spontaneous activity through repetition, which play a significant part in teaching guidelines, were explained in the guidelines that were described by (Catherine et al., 2020) .

Beginning at an early age, Montessori nurtures order, concentration, and independence. Intentional classroom design, materials, and daily routines support the student's emerging “self-regulation” (the ability to educate one's self, and to think about what one is learning), in toddlers through adolescents.

Montessori education is based on the belief that all children are unique individuals, that they all have immense potential, that they want to learn and be busy. Therefore the teacher needs to guide each child through the learning process by using materials that fit their specific needs and pace.