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Montessori Education
What makes
Montessori Education unique?
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The pupil’s
ability to concentrate and persevere while
engaged in purposeful activity;
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Freedom to choose
their own activities based on their own
interests and working at their own individual
pace; (Research findings confirm that children
learn best when provided with choices and when
they are actively involved in decision making in
meaningful learning experiences.)
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The teachers are
unobtrusive, observing students engage in
self-directed, individual or group activity,
facilitating and guiding them only when
necessary; (Interrupting children when they are
engaged in purposeful activity is a hindrance to
their learning as it interferes with their
momentum, concentration, interest and inner
working thoughts.)
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Students working
co-operatively together, showing kindness and
respecting each other;
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The environment
is orderly, peaceful and aesthetically pleasing,
keeping in touch with nature and natural
materials;
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Teachers show
respect and reverence for each individual child
and vice-versa
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Dr. Montessori's
words “Help me do it myself” is empowering.
Allowing children to develop a meaningful degree
of independence and self-discipline sets a
pattern for a lifetime of good work habits and a
sense of responsibility. Students are taught to
take pride in doing things well and experience
the joy of learning.
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Who is Maria
Montessori?
Dr. Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870. She
was one of the first women in Italy to graduate as a
doctor.
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In 1907 Dr. Maria Montessori started the first Casa
Dei Bambini or Children’s House. She was approached
to take care of a group of ‘underprivileged’
children living in the slums of San Lorenzo, Rome.
She had the opportunity to test her ideas with 50
normal children aged between 2½ and 6.
It was her medical background, her
involvement with special needs children and
experimenting with different teaching
techniques which led her to meticulously
trial many materials and activities with
this group of ‘deprived children.’ |
She noticed
the transformation of these ‘deprived’ children who
become capable of achieving and becoming independent
learners.
Through her observations and work, she developed a
breakthrough in education called the “Montessori
Method” to educate children.
International success and recognition came from many
parts of the world. Dr. Maria Montessori spent 40
year travelling extensively, giving lectures and
training courses in Europe, Asia and the United
States of America. The Montessori movement has
continued to grow worldwide after her death in 1952.
More information about Montessori Education can be
obtained from the
Montessori Association of New Zealand
www.montessori.org.nz
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