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 * Full Name of Program:** Montessori Method

History of Maria Montessori (1870-1952) 
 * Mother played an active role in Maria Montessori's upbringing and the whole philosophy behind the Montessori Method. Maria Montessori's mother encouraged her to explore her natural inclination to learn, even thought her father did not believe women should be educated.
 * Montessori was interested in the development of disabled and mentally challenged children, so she created an environment to help these children learn, it was successful. Since she succeeded in helping the disabled and mentally challenged children learn she decided to study if the learning applications would work with children with out any disabilities.
 * In 1906 Montessori founded the "Casi dei Bambini" the Childrens House, which was a day care center in Rome. She was in-trusted with 60 children, she began educating them by teaching the older children how to help out with chores (Practical Life). She eventually added the Censorial Materials (things that appealed to the senses.) Montessori soon discovered how young children naturally were interested, adapted, and enjoyed learning everyday tasks. This gave children a sense of Self-Worth.
 * Montessori also encouraged parents to recognize children are special and are of great value.
 * Montessori first focused on pre-school aged children, then Montessori and her son, Mario, started new research to adapt her approach to elementary school aged children.
 * Montessori's theory evolved from embracing the elements, ideas, and methods of all disciplines she had studied.


 * I. Teaching/Learning Philosophy**

  >> >> One of the things that impressed us was the emphasis on multiculturalism. This might have been due to the multiethnic makeup of the class since we were in a college town, but they really went to great lengths to introduce the kids to different cultures by teaching languages and celebrating ethnic holidays. Another thing we appreciated was the degree of openness. Parents were allowed to sit-in and observe a day in the life, something I would encourage every parent to do. Besides getting a huge kick out of watching our daughter go about her day, the teachers were continually explaining things and offering examples of Audrey’s work. >> >> As I mentioned, our daughter’s school went up to the third grade, and the older kids were often asked to mentor the younger ones during activities and projects, and this integration of different age groups is a hallmark of Montessori education."  > > **The Cons** > > "On the negative side, the one thing that stuck in our minds was that school really stressed our daughter out. This probably had more to do with her place in life, and is perhaps more emblematic of our times. Our academic expectations for our kids have gone completely awry, whereby children are no longer allowed to simply be children and are instead expected to perform. > > One of the criticisms that I’ve heard about Montessori’s is that they stifle creativity, which I found was not completely accurate. Then again, they did not go out of their way to encourage it, either. There is a pragmatic air to the program whereby everything has a purpose, even fun. > > And while the teachers were outstanding, I do think they were a bit rigid in their expectations, considering the kids were only four years old. The reality is, every school program out there has it’s own agenda. Rather than letting kids grow according to their own schedule, schools try get kids to adhere to theirs. This works for the group mentality, but doesn’t necessarily build individuals with a sense of themselves. > > In the end, I think Montessori was a good fit for our daughter, who loves to learn likes to be independent. We just felt like she was too young. Besides, children grow and develop at their own pace, and we don’t want to force the issue. > > Furthermore, as much as we liked the Montessori program, we sought a more organic and imaginative environment that was as academically stimulating (which might be asking for too much). We want to give our kids a chance to be kids while enjoying the process of learning, rather than charting their academic paths from day-one, and to love learning for the sake of leaning, to value the journey and not get too hung up on simply performing."
 * "From the moment the child enters the classroom, each step in his education is seen as a progressive building block, ultimately forming the whole person in the emergence from childhood to adult. All focus is on the needs of the child."-Maria Montessori
 * The Montessori educational philosophy is built upon the idea that children develop and think differently from adults; that they are not merely “adults in small bodies”. Dr. Montessori advocated children's rights, children working to develop themselves into adults, and that these developments would lead to world peace.
 * The Montessori method discourages many of the traditional measurements of achievement (grades, tests). The method instead focuses on sparking a child's interest in learning through presenting materials to students that will catch their interest. The Montessori Method does measure feedback and qualitative analysis of a child’s schooling performance. The analysis does not come from grades, but from careful observation of the child
 * Montessori schools begin with a deep respect of children as a unique individuals. they work from a deep concern for their social and emotional development.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Montessori schools are warm and supportive communities for students, teachers and parents.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Montessori consciously teaches children to be kind and peaceful.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is a revolutionary method of observing and supporting the natural development of children. Montessori educational practice helps children develop creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and time-management skills, to contribute to society and the environment, and to become fulfilled persons in their particular time and place on Earth.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Children from birth to the age of six have an "absorbent mind". The child will learn with out conscious effort and are receptive to certain external stimuli. During this time period there are critical or sensitive periods of development, that can last from a few weeks to a few months. During the time periods the mind is open to learning specific skills or knowledge. Its very important that the child learns what he/she is supposed to at the appropriate time period otherwise learning it will become frustrating and hard for the child. Some of the things the child will learn during the periods of development are: crawling, sitting, walking, talking, reading, counting, social interaction, etc.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">During the certain developmental time periods its important that the teacher uses the age appropriate learning tools and activities. They closely observe the children to decipher what stage they are in. Once the child moves through the stages the teacher would introduce new materials and activities that are specially designed to stimulate intellect.
 * II. Research, Experience and Results Supporting This Program:**
 * 1) <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**The Early Years: Evaluating Montessori Education. September 28, 2006**
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Study conducted in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Contains mostly urban minority children.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Study was designed around school lottery that was already in place. The experimental group are those who were accepted into the Montessori school and the control group are those who were no accepted into the Montessori school and went onto other educational systems.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Study looked at two different age groups, ages five (end of kindergarten) and twelve (end of elementary school).
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Both groups and age groups were tested for cognitive/academic and social/behavioral skills.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The five year olds results are as follows: Children from the Montessori school received higher scores on both areas, they also performed better on executive function tests, Montessori kids were more likely to use a high level of reasoning by referring to justice and fairness, children were more likely to be involved in positively shared peer play, and lastly they scored better in standardized test in reading and math.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The twelve year olds results are as follows: Children from the Montessori school essays were more creative and used more sophisticated sentence structures, in both the control and experimental group performed similarly in spelling, punctuation and grammar, and lastly Montessori school children showed a more developed sense of community and social skills.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Following is a mothers reflection on her daughters experience in a school that practiced the Montessori method:
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"All in all, I’d have to say that our experiences at Montessori were mostly positive. It was a good school where the faculty really took an interest in the students and addressed their specific issues. The teachers were dedicated and enthusiastic about their jobs from the get-go.The classroom was designed as a large open space allowing for easy access to the games and activities that line the shelves. These exercises are meant to be fun ways to nurture kids along towards important developmental milestones, both academic and practical. Hand-eye coordination, communication, socialization and fine motor skills are addressed while introducing math and language.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">:Bellow is a list of the Con's that this mother listed regarding the method:

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> > Things that a Montessori Teacher must have/do: <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**1. Verify the requirements** Before applying for a post of Montessori teacher you should first verify whether you are qualified enough for the post or not. You need to contact your local Montessori education department or the local Montessori training program. You need to at least have a Montessori training certificate in order to secure the job of a teacher. Another way of becoming a Montessori teacher is to join a Montessori education training programs that you can easily find in your area. These programs must be recognized by the Association Montessori International. To become a fully qualified Montessori teacher it is very essential for you to study either under a master teacher or a student teacher for one year. These training sessions can really help you to secure the teacher’s job in any local Montessori school in your area. Montessori education is all about the power of touch. This method involves hand on learning experience for children. The teacher needs to act as a guide for the children, instructing and helping them whenever they are facing any problem. Let the children learn at his or her own speed and let them progress step by step. In Montessori education the learning atmosphere is very essential. The classrooms should be study and growth oriented. The teacher should try to create an atmosphere that can help in the child’s learning process. You can also decorate the classroom with beautiful plants and flowers, because this gives a wonderful appearance to the class. A Montessori teacher should be able to use educational manipulative materials because these objects can be touched by the children physically. They can help in developing the child’s personality and mental ability. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">VII. "Shared Teaching and Learning" in our Classroom: ** <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> [|http://www.montessori.org] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] __http://parentingsquad.com/on-education-part-1-our-experience-with-montessori-schools__ [] [] []
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Montessori classes bring children together in multi-age groups, rather than classes comprised of just one grade level. Having children in mixed aged groups, mimics "real-life." At times, the child finds himself in the role of the teacher as well as in the role of the learner. Usually they span three age levels and the children stay with the same teacher for the three years This allows teachers to develop close and long-term relationships with their pupils, allows them to know each child's learning style very well and encourages a strong sense of community among children.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Montessori classrooms are bright and exciting environments for learning <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and utilizes materials that are designed for the Montessori classroom.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Learning is not focused on rote drill and memorization. The goal is to develop students who really understand their schoolwork. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are no grades or other types of rewards or punishments. Assessment is by the child's portfolio, and the teacher's observations.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Focuses on the fullest possible development of the whole child.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Prepare children for life's rich experiences.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Classes are self-directed, interactive, and material-centered.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Teach self-worth and self-confidence.
 * IV. Teachers Role in Facilitating Learning:**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Teachers facilitate learning, coach students along and come to know them as friends and mentors.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The teachers become actively engaged in their students.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The teachers are trained to work with one child at a time and with a few small groups.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Teachers assist, direct, and stimulate children's enthusiasm for learning and guide it without interfering with the child's natural desire to teach himself/herself and become independent.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Teachers are supposed to introduce the children to the materials within the classroom and then remain as a "silent presence" in order to let the child learn on his/her own.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Teachers evaluate by closely observing the child. Evaluations are presented to parents as a list of skills, activities, and critical points, including explanations on achievements, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as how to improve on the child's weaknesses.
 * 2. Join Montessori teaching programs**
 * 3. Study under a teacher**
 * 4. Be familiar with practical application**
 * 5. Try to create a friendly environment**
 * 6. They should use educational manipulative materials**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Each classroom, equipped with Montessori materials costs$40,000 to set up.
 * V. Child's Role:**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Starting at the pre-school age, children are to direct their own learning. They choose from certain aspects with in the curriculum. They are Practical Life, Censorial, Language, Math, Geography, Science and Art.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The student works at his/her own optimum level.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Students learn not to be afraid of making mistakes. They come to see the mistakes as a natural step in the learning process.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Students <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">are encouraged to teach, <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> collaborate, and work together in learning and on major projects. They strive for their personal best, rather than compete against one another for the highest grade.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Students learn through hands-on experiences, investigation and research.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Students are given freedom (within boundaries) to make their own choices.
 * VI. Classroom Discussions and Relationships:**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Classroom interactions are initiated from the children themselves. The class is divided up into many areas according to subject matter and the children are free to move freely between stations. They are allowed to work with the materials with no time limit.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A classroom using the Montessori Method is a very busy <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> and productive <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> place. It is also quieter than a traditional classroom. Because children choose their own activities, they remain interested and engaged in what they are learning and doing. A Montessori-certified teacher is always close by, observing and preparing to help with the next lesson or question. A Montessori classroom is also a very clean and tidy place. Children treat their materials with care and put them in their proper place once they have completed their work. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A typical classroom size is generally between 30-35 students with one teacher and an assistant. A Montessori classroom is able to be so large maily because the children learn from one another. This size allows for team work and eliminates the possibility of too much teacher-centered, teacher-directed work.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Everything within the classroom has a specific purpose and use. The child can touch and see everything within the classroom in order to further the learning process. The equipment and furniture in the classroom is also scaled down to child size so the children have easier access.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is joy and respect inside the classroom. The environment of the classroom promotes freedom, responsibility, and social intellectual development to thrive.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In Montessori classrooms, teachers address the needs of individual children who are learning through practice with hands-on materials. The teacher introduces a child to materials systematically, depending on developmental needs. The Montessori classroom is designed to promote self-discipline, independence and responsibility. Academically, children develop a foundation in language and math skills, physical and cultural geography, zoology, botany, physical science, history, music and art. They also learn practical life skills such as cooking, carpentry, sewing and cleaning. One of the most important aspects of a Montessori classroom is the teacher’s respect for the dignity of every child.
 * VIII. Benefits of Incorporating the Montessori Method in the Classroom**:
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Firstly, children are not supposed to conform to pre-set goals or standards that are followed in traditional schools. They are given freedom to choose their subjects of interest and learn at their own pace- without being criticized. The Montessori Method takes into account the individuality, talents, skills and potential of each child.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The second advantage of Montessori schools is that children are made to sit in a mixed age group. Therefore, children learn to share, help and learn from each other. The older children generally help the younger ones- whenever help is required!
 * The child is free from any kind of burden- he/she is not required to carry any books or homework to home. (there are no textbooks in a true Montessori classroom) The daily worksheets and textbooks are left in school and the child is never punished for not completing the work on time.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Children are allowed to learn during periods of intense concentration- which are self chosen and spontaneous. During these periods, they are not even disturbed by the teacher.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Montessori schools inculcate the quality of independence in the child since an early age. Children take part in various activities like- keeping the articles or “didactic equipments” back at their place after using them, preparing and serving during the break etc. They also learn other practical tasks such as polishing, tying shoe laces, making sandwiches etc. A complete development of the child's personality is just as important as the academic subjects.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The role of the teacher at the Montessori schools is only limited to observing the child and providing he/she objects for learning as well as interaction with the environment. The teachers then provide further avenues or objects to the children to learn and progress according to their individual ability. Children learn from their own mistakes rather than waiting for the teacher to tell them the right answer.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Montessori education has a different structure from traditional schools.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When strictly implemented Montessori educators were found to foster social and academic skills that are equal or superior to educators in other types of schools.
 * Sources:**

Questions and Comments

Kate Sullivan* Kevin Drago Roxanne Gencarelli Janet Russo Audrey Spronz Marissa Bezerra
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