Every parent wants their child to be able to grow and develop with an independent and active attitude. Therefore, not a few parents are starting to introduce their children to various educational methods from an early age.
One of the educational methods that can help parents in this regard is Montessori. The Montessori method is an educational method developed by an Italian physician and anthropologist named Maria Montessori.
This educational method is considered different from other educational methods because it has its own uniqueness in its application. So, what's unique about it? The following is the Montessori method, an educational method that can train children's independence and activeness from an early age. Come on, find out more!
What is the Montessori Method?
The Montessori method is an educational method based on independent activities, hands-on learning, and collaborative play for children. Launching from Montessori Northwest, in learning, children are given the opportunity to discover and explore knowledge about the world and to develop their maximum potential.
Each material in a Montessori class supports aspects of a child's development and creates a match between the child's natural interests and the available activities. Children can learn through their own experiences and at their own pace.
The Uniqueness of the Montessori Method
If you're wondering "why Montessori?" or "what is unique about Montessori?" then here is the answer. The following unique qualities are inherent in the Montessori educational method:
Approach to Children
According to The Hockessin Montessori School, the main goal of the Montessori method is to help every child reach their full potential in all areas of life. Activities for the development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination and cognitive preparation for future intellectual academic endeavors.
In a Montessori classroom, children are free to make their own learning choices. They can choose to study alone, in pairs, in small groups, in large groups, inside, outside, at the desk, or on the floor.
Supportive Educational Facilities and Environment
All items in the neighborhood are child-sized, including furniture, shelves, cutlery, cutlery, cleaning utensils, and the Montessori materials themselves. There is no central focus to the class. This reflects that teachers are not the focus of children's attention, but they are all one community together.
Teaching materials
The teacher's role is to guide children in learning, as reported by the Supply Desk, they will teach without being a hindrance and without too much inserting themselves into the natural learning process.
The teacher will demonstrate and model learning activities while giving students the freedom to learn in their own way. The assessment system carried out is also different from other schools, namely not only focusing on one aspect, but also on the overall development of children, ranging from social, emotional, intellectual, to physical.
Multi-Age Classroom
One of the more widely recognized features of a Montessori education is the multi-age class. Montessori classrooms are usually set in an age range of 3 years. Montessori rejects the notion that all children of the same age develop and progress on the same page. Montessori schools believe that multi-age classrooms allow children to work more productively at their natural pace.
5 Basic Principles of the Montessori Method
As reported by the Supply Desk, the Montessori method has 5 basic principles, namely:
Respect for the Child
Respect is shown to the child by not disturbing his concentration. Children are given the freedom to make choices, do things, and learn for themselves.
The Absorbent Mind
Through their senses, children are constantly absorbing information from their world.
Sensitive Periods (Sensitive Periods)
Through observation, Montessori teachers must identify sensitive periods (i.e. sensitive periods for writing) in their students and provide resources for children to develop during this time.
The Prepared Environment
The learning environment should encourage freedom for children to explore the material of their choice.
Auto education (Auto education)
Automatic education, or self-education, is the concept that children are capable of educating themselves. Montessori teachers provide an environment, inspiration, guidance and encouragement for children to educate themselves.
Well, you, that was about the Montessori method. For parents who are confused about choosing an educational method, this Montessori method can be used as a recommendation, you know!