The Montessori method is a fairly popular form of early education today. This method has been successfully integrated into teaching programs at many public and private schools in many countries around the world, including Vietnam. However, not everyone really understands what the Montessori method is? As well as the characteristics and application fields of this educational method. Let's find out with the article below.
What is the Montessori method?
Montessori is a modern, scientific educational method developed by Dr. Maria Montessori since the early twentieth century. This method is based on " child-centered " through activities created and chosen by children. Classes taught using this method include children of different ages and the teacher will provide support and encouragement in necessary cases.
With the Montessori method, children can work independently or in groups to explore the world around them. From there, children will be maximally and comprehensively developed in all aspects: physical, cognitive, communication, and emotional.
Characteristics of the Montessori educational method
Children are creative and choose their own activities
The Montessori educational method does not have a common curriculum or common assessments among children. Instead, children learn through learning materials and are free to choose activities they love.
Learning materials will be arranged neatly and orderly in the classroom or at home. Each child will choose their own learning materials and a corner of the room. Children will be passionate about their exploration activities without fear of anyone disturbing them.
This has the effect of enhancing children's concentration. Helps develop self-learning ability and the ability to absorb knowledge more firmly and longer.
Children learn through learning tools
Young children are often attracted to objects and materials that stimulate their senses. Therefore, the Montessori method has developed many special objects for children to learn. These objects are called learning tools and teaching aids of various types. Through this, children will approach many different fields such as mathematics, geography, science...
Montessori classes mix children's ages
Unlike traditional classes, children will be divided into classes according to age. Montessori classes will be divided into age groups such as Montessori classes for children 0-3 years old, Montessori classes for children 3-6 years old.
Each class will include many children of different ages. Older children can support younger children to help them live responsibly, care for and help others. And younger children will learn from older siblings to develop awareness and skills early.
Mixing ages also helps teachers have time to bond, understand and understand the child's development journey. Thanks to that, teachers will best support children's learning process. And children are also familiar with their environment and teachers, feel confident and easily express their talents.
The learning environment is orderly and tidy
Montessori's learning environment is designed to suit children. Materials are placed within easy reach so children can pick them up and clean up after exploring. The classroom is arranged in a certain order with harmonious colors. This not only provides the best learning space but also builds order and tidiness for children.
In what areas is the Montessori method applied?
In daily life
- Train children in simple living habits such as dressing, putting on shoes, tying shoelaces, going to the toilet...
- Train children to stay calm and teach neat and tidy skills.
- Maintain general hygiene, know how to help parents, grandparents and people around.
In the development of the senses
- Children recognize and explore the world around them through their senses.
- Observe and compare phenomena, know how to reason and draw conclusions.
- Get acquainted and study with visual teaching aids.
In language development
- Encourage children to express themselves and their emotions through language.
- For children aged 3-6 years old, language activities must focus on reading and writing skills.
- Creative language activities such as matching word cards with pictures, matching word cards with visual aids, listening and choosing the correct word...
In teaching mathematics
- Use visual tools to help children understand abstract concepts.
- Introduces numbers within 1000, symbols, and concepts of basic mathematical operations such as addition and subtraction.
In cultural education
- Provide children with knowledge about culture, science, and geography to help them perceive the world.
- Use visual learning tools to help children improve their knowledge.
- Create conditions for children to explore, discover and solve problems themselves.
The article above has helped parents understand what the Montessori method is? Along with the characteristics and fields of application of this educational method. Don't forget to follow Mykingdom's " Handbook " section to update useful information about the Montessori method and many other interesting articles.
