A Brief Introduction to Montessori Education

    Montessori education method was developed by an Italian physician and educator Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century. It is a child-centered way of thinking about education and childcare.

   Montessori law emphasizes children's independence, children's freedom (within the limits), and respect for children's development. Let us understand together what is Montessori education.

Let us first understand the life of Montessori

    Maria Montessori (Italian: Maria Montessori, 1870-1952), a famous Italian early childhood educator, Italy's first female medical doctor, founder of Montessori education method.
    Montessori was lucky. She received a good education at a very young age and later entered the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Rome. This learning experience made her the first female medical doctor in Italian history.
    After graduating, Montessori worked in the psychiatric clinic affiliated to the University of Rome and became an assistant doctor. At the same time, she began to conduct research on mentally handicapped children, and later went to a school for mentally handicapped children as the head teacher.
    In 1907, the accomplished Montessori finally founded the first "children's home" in Rome. He used his own educational ideas to educate poor children who were greedy and violent. The effect was amazing. The children were all turned upside down. Variety.
   This not only benefits the children a lot, but also makes Montessori a lot. In the process of educating children, she discovered the real secret of children's development and formed a unique concept of early education.
   At the same time, Montessori also began to give speeches all over the world to promote his educational philosophy. Later, Montessori compiled these educational thoughts into books and published them one after another, becoming an enduring classic of children's education.

Characteristics of Montessori Education

    The Montessori education method is based on the scientific method of education. It is an excellent education model for quality education and potential development of children. The main characteristics of the Montessori education concept are:

Child-centered

    Montessori education pays more attention to positive and individualized development. The Montessori learning style is not based on group courses. Children can freely choose jobs according to their own interests.

    The role of the teacher in the entire teaching activity is not to "instill", but to "guide" and "help". Teachers need to observe the content of children's daily work, understand each child's learning and development stage, and guide children to perform different tasks according to their different stages.

Grasp the Sensitive Period of Children

    Montessori believes that children aged 0-6 will have a specific sensitive period. The short sensitive period only exists in childhood, and once it disappears, it will no longer appear. Ignoring the training in the sensitive period will cause irreparable losses. If you conform to the sensitive period of your child and give him correct guidance, your child’s growth will be more effective.

Eliminate Rewards and Punishment

   In the Montessori environment, it is not advocated to give children material rewards or punishments. Dr. Montessori believes that if rewards or rewards and punishments are always used, such a child will lack self-confidence and fear in doing things, because he does not know whether what he is doing is right or wrong, so let’s talk about it. Not to realize their potential and innovation.

Mixed Age System

   Montessori education implements a mixed-age system. Mixed-age classes provide children with a sibling-like environment, where children of all ages work and play together. Usually older children will spontaneously help younger children, and younger children can get inspiration and role models from the work of older children.

Prepared Environment

   In the Montessori environment, the emphasis is on a "prepared environment". All the furniture and teaching aids in the children’s home classroom are prepared from the child’s perspective and based on their height. For example, the height and weight of the chairs in the classroom are considered from the child’s perspective, which is convenient for him to return, and the design is also consistent. Ergonomics. The environment in the classroom is soft and quiet, abandoning colorful decorations, not using colors to attract children and protect children's attention and creativity.

   The best love is to let go, teach children independence in freedom, and discipline children in freedom. And we are only observers and guides of children.
Thank Montessori for letting us understand the law of children's life growth, respect and educate children's life itself, and give it the right help.