Hey Montessori!
We’re back, and today we want to share with you something very close to our hearts—the core principles of Montessori.
When we first embarked on our Montessori journey, we noticed that different sources sometimes highlighted different principles.
At first, this was a bit confusing.
But as we delved deeper into Montessori’s writings and philosophy, we realized that this variation is partly because Montessori’s work spans several books and addresses a wide range of topics, and partly because the Montessori method has been adapted in different ways by different schools and educators over the years.
So, we decided to embrace this diversity and incorporate all the principles we’ve encountered into our understanding of Montessori.
In this post, we’ll share these principles with you. You may notice that the principles we highlight can vary across our posts and content—and that’s okay.
The beauty of Montessori is in its adaptability and its respect for individuality, and we believe this applies not just to children, but to parents and educators as well.
Understanding Montessori
The Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, is based on a profound respect for the child and a deep understanding of child development.
It’s an approach that sees children as active participants in their own learning, capable of making choices, solving problems, and discovering new things about the world and themselves.
While there isn’t a single global governing body that oversees all Montessori education, there are several well-respected organizations that provide training, accreditation, and resources for Montessori educators.
These include the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), which was founded by Dr. Montessori herself, and the American Montessori Society (AMS).
The Core Principles of Montessori
Now, let’s delve into the core principles of Montessori education. These principles form the heart of the Montessori method and guide our approach to parenting and education.
- Respect for the Child: This principle is about acknowledging the child as a unique individual with their own needs, interests, and pace of development. For example, we always try to listen to our children’s thoughts and feelings and involve them in decision-making processes.
- The Absorbent Mind: Dr. Montessori believed that children, especially in their early years, have an incredible capacity to absorb information from their environment. We’ve seen this in our own home, as our children pick up new words, ideas, and skills just by being part of our daily routines.
- Sensitive Periods: These are specific periods in a child’s development when they are particularly receptive to learning certain skills or concepts. Recognizing these sensitive periods allows us to provide the right support and resources at the right time.
- Prepared Environment: This principle involves creating an environment that supports the child’s development and learning. In our home, this means having child-friendly furniture, providing hands-on learning materials, and ensuring a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
- Autoeducation (Self-Directed Learning): Montessori believed that children are naturally curious and eager to learn. We try to foster this by providing opportunities for our children to explore their interests and learn at their own pace.
- Independence: The Montessori method encourages children to do things for themselves, fostering self-confidence and self-reliance. Whether it’s dressing themselves or preparing a simple snack, we encourage our children to take on tasks that they are capable of doing.
- Freedom within Limits: This principle involves providing children with the freedom to explore and learn within a safe and prepared environment. For instance, our children are free to choose their activities, but they are also expected to clean up after themselves and respect the rules of our home.
- Cosmic Education: This is about helping children understand their place in the world and their connection to all living things. We do this by exploring nature, discussing different cultures, and encouraging a sense of responsibility for our planet.
- Peace Education: Montessori promotes peace education and conflict resolution. We model peaceful behavior, teach our children to express their feelings constructively, and guide them to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.
- Direct Instruction: In the Montessori method, the role of the teacher is not to lecture but to guide. Direct instruction is provided when needed, but the goal is to nurture the child’s independence and self-learning. For instance, when our son was learning to tie his shoelaces, we didn’t just do it for him. Instead, we showed him how to do it step by step, then encouraged him to try it on his own. It took some time and patience, but the pride on his face when he finally mastered it was priceless!
- Multi-Age Grouping: One of the unique aspects of Montessori is the practice of multi-age grouping. This means having children of different ages learning together, much like a family. We’ve seen the beauty of this in our own home. Our older daughter reads stories to her younger brother, and in turn, he teaches her the latest dance moves he learned. This exchange not only fosters a sense of community but also allows them to learn from each other in a natural, organic way.
- The Importance of Work: In Montessori, work is not a chore—it’s an opportunity for learning and development. Dr. Montessori believed that children learn best by doing. So, whether it’s setting the table for dinner or watering the plants, we see these not as tasks to be completed, but as opportunities for our children to develop skills like concentration, coordination, and problem-solving.
- The Importance of Peace and Order: Dr. Montessori believed that a peaceful and orderly environment is essential for learning. We’ve found this to be true in our own home. When our living space is calm and organized, it’s easier for our children to focus, whether they’re building a tower with blocks or practicing their handwriting. But peace and order go beyond physical tidiness—it’s also about maintaining a peaceful atmosphere where everyone feels safe, respected, and loved.
Remember, these principles are not just for school—they can be incorporated into every aspect of your child’s day, fostering independence, responsibility, and a love of learning.
Conclusion
The principles of Montessori have become a guiding light in our journey as parents.
They have helped us create a home environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and a love of learning.
More than that, they have shaped our approach to parenting, helping us see our children as capable and active participants in their own development.
We hope that by sharing these principles, we can inspire and support you on your own Montessori journey.
Remember, Montessori is not just a method—it’s a way of seeing and being with children that respects their unique individuality and their incredible potential.
Here’s to a future filled with learning, creativity, and growth!
As always, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Stay tuned for more posts where we’ll delve deeper into each of these principles and share practical tips and examples from our own experience.