The Montessori Method is a popular home schooling technique initiated by Dr. Maria Montessori. It is based on her observation that a child has an innate capacity to learn from nature. The learning is initiated in the kids by deftly encouraging the instinctive curiosity without any external compulsion to learn or explore. The teacher is lead by the child’s cue and arranges a situation so that the child could explore and experience the learning and enjoy it.
The kids are taught by interacting with natural laws that they have to deal with in every day life. The teacher replicates a natural environment and controls it instead of the kids. They are left alone, and are free to interact with the environment, under the teacher’s watchful eyes. This is done under the established notion that kids are able to develop their inborn discipline, orderliness and thrust for knowledge through close relationship with nature.
Preschoolers love this method because of their natural inclination to do things by themselves. They are encouraged to participate in simple household activities such as washing, dusting, and cleaning like the adults. Such independent activities are designed to develop their self esteem and confidence.
Kids are given preference in teaching classical literature, and also encouraged to involve in cultural, artistic and scientific pursuits. Electronic entertainment such as TV and computers, and junk food such as fast food and soft drinks are avoided. The emphasis is to make the kids learn and live in tune with nature.
Posted on May 4th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Child Care, Learning, Play, Toddler, school
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