Montessori Method in Early Childhood Education

Montessori Method in Early Childhood Education

The Montessori method is a child lead and a holistic approach to early childhood education. This method encourages independence in the child. Rather than just sitting at a desk, the children have the opportunity to explore their learning hands-on.

As a teacher or new parent, you may notice that your child likes climbing up everywhere or throw things. These are normal developmental patterns. The Montessori method could help you as a parent or teacher to create activities that includes these developmental patterns in a better way. The teacher would have to try and see the world from a child’s perspective and allows the teacher to help the child explore the world in their own way.

Children need to practice their natural urges to kick, throw, run or mess. Doing this in a safe and controlled environment is what the Montessori method is all about.

It is sometimes difficult for adults to let children do things on their own as it usually takes longer, however it allows the child to develop more independently and confidently. Patience is needed by the teacher or guardian with this method.

Activities that you could do in a Montessori classroom:

• Set up a pouring station in your classroom or home. This is an easy to do activity, because all the items used can be found around the home. All you need are buckets, water and smaller containers to scoop up the water.

• Having a washing window. This activity creates a real-life scenario as well as developing the learners fine motor skills.

• Make frames with buttons, zippers, belt buckles or shoelaces. These will let children develop their self-dressing skills.

• Puzzles and maps. This is a fun way to introduce Geography to them.

• Encourage them to peel their fruit by themselves during snack times.