Philosophy of Teaching
The Montessori curriculum absolutely aligns with my educational philosophy. Not only does the curriculum offer hands-on experiences but experiences that will help a child throughout their lives. Everyday living, also known as practical life is the fundamental building blocks upon which the entire Montessori Philosophy is constructed. The direct goal of practical life is to give children the skills needed to develop independence, concentration, coordination and the ability to complete the task from start to finish. Work in this area helps to develop children's coordination and concentration while fostering the natural sensitivity to order. Practical life also includes the integration of graceful movement with courteous behavior so that children are mindful of themselves within their greater environment. Practical life also fosters awareness to interact with others in a respectful and gracious style. Children are empowered with the ability to choose work that is of interest to them. Montessori Curriculum nurtures independence and a love learning.
What children learn in a Montessori classroom builds the foundation of the other aspects of the classroom. For example, scrubbing a table from left to right in a curricular motion is preparing their brain for the movements they use while writing. While using tongs in tonging exercises, they are strengthening their pincer grip to work their way up to holding a pencil. They develop hand-eye coordination as they learn to pour from vessels of all shapes and sizes and scooping all different types of objects as they sort them.
The everyday skills that one encounters through their life are first learned in the practical life area, such as cooking, cleaning, tie management and maintaining order. These skills learned at a young age will come in great use throughout a child’s life, whether it is academics, arts, athletics or just keeping the house clean and orderly. Looking back at my traditional education, I can’t help but wonder what else I could have accomplished in life if I attended a Montessori school and had the pleasure of experiencing the rich curriculum as a small child. As Maria Montessori said, "The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life."
Another very important aspect of a Montessori classroom is grace and courtesy. Grace and courtesy are not only for the children in the classroom but also the adults. Adults should be role models towards their students. As teachers, we should speak to the children at their level and address the children properly. It's essential to be patient and calm in the classroom and most importantly treat the child with respect. It used to be that a child was seen but not heard, it is important that the child is both seen and hears.
We teach our students to use good manners, to be kind, responsible and respectful. Children learn how to greet people by shaking their hands, looking in the person’s eyes and saying good morning or goodbye every day. Children learn how to apologize and make sure their friend is alright and they are taught how to invite a friend for snack and proper etiquette while eating.
None of these objectives in the curriculum would be possible if the prepared environment in my classroom was not appropriate. The characteristics of the prepared environment are beauty, order, simplicity, and accessibility. It is important that my room is free of excessive movement and loud noises. During this time the child is in a sensitive period for order, therefore, it is important that the environment aids the child in building a sense of structure, order, and self-control. The classroom should be beautiful, uncluttered and well maintained. The environment should have colorful and attractive materials reflecting peace. Every material has a place and a purpose. It is also extremely important that the children use child-size real objects that fit their hands and are appropriate for their age. The aim is designing and preparing the environment to promote peace and concentration. Another goal is to set up the classroom for success. The Montessori philosophy is to never help a child with a task where they can succeed in doing it themselves.
What children learn in a Montessori classroom builds the foundation of the other aspects of the classroom. For example, scrubbing a table from left to right in a curricular motion is preparing their brain for the movements they use while writing. While using tongs in tonging exercises, they are strengthening their pincer grip to work their way up to holding a pencil. They develop hand-eye coordination as they learn to pour from vessels of all shapes and sizes and scooping all different types of objects as they sort them.
The everyday skills that one encounters through their life are first learned in the practical life area, such as cooking, cleaning, tie management and maintaining order. These skills learned at a young age will come in great use throughout a child’s life, whether it is academics, arts, athletics or just keeping the house clean and orderly. Looking back at my traditional education, I can’t help but wonder what else I could have accomplished in life if I attended a Montessori school and had the pleasure of experiencing the rich curriculum as a small child. As Maria Montessori said, "The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life."
Another very important aspect of a Montessori classroom is grace and courtesy. Grace and courtesy are not only for the children in the classroom but also the adults. Adults should be role models towards their students. As teachers, we should speak to the children at their level and address the children properly. It's essential to be patient and calm in the classroom and most importantly treat the child with respect. It used to be that a child was seen but not heard, it is important that the child is both seen and hears.
We teach our students to use good manners, to be kind, responsible and respectful. Children learn how to greet people by shaking their hands, looking in the person’s eyes and saying good morning or goodbye every day. Children learn how to apologize and make sure their friend is alright and they are taught how to invite a friend for snack and proper etiquette while eating.
None of these objectives in the curriculum would be possible if the prepared environment in my classroom was not appropriate. The characteristics of the prepared environment are beauty, order, simplicity, and accessibility. It is important that my room is free of excessive movement and loud noises. During this time the child is in a sensitive period for order, therefore, it is important that the environment aids the child in building a sense of structure, order, and self-control. The classroom should be beautiful, uncluttered and well maintained. The environment should have colorful and attractive materials reflecting peace. Every material has a place and a purpose. It is also extremely important that the children use child-size real objects that fit their hands and are appropriate for their age. The aim is designing and preparing the environment to promote peace and concentration. Another goal is to set up the classroom for success. The Montessori philosophy is to never help a child with a task where they can succeed in doing it themselves.
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