Montessori
Curiosity, Discovery, Learning
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Montessori Philosophy
Curiosity, Discovery, Learning
Montessori education philosophy is a pedagogical approach developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori. This philosophy is based on children's natural instincts for learning and focuses on values such as independence, self-confidence, self-discipline, and curiosity. Montessori classrooms offer a student-centered and materials-based environment where children can learn at their own pace. It aims to build self-confidence and encourage children to explore their surroundings using specialized learning materials. Montessori education values individual differences and provides students with the opportunity to explore their own areas of interest.
Benefits of Montessori
- Montessori education supports students' personal and academic development while making learning a fun and meaningful experience.
- Individual Development: The Montessori approach provides each child with an education that suits their learning pace and style. It meets individual learning needs, allowing children to express themselves better and develop self-confidence.
- Independence and Self-Discipline: Montessori classrooms teach children to make decisions, take responsibility, and develop self-discipline. These skills prepare them for success in their future lives.
- Curiosity and Exploration: Montessori materials make learning an interactive and enjoyable experience for children. This awakens their curiosity and makes learning enjoyable.
- Social Skills: Montessori classrooms focus on developing social skills such as collaboration, empathy, and communication. Children strengthen their social skills by working together and solving problems.
- Long-Term Success: Montessori education encourages children to love the learning process and develop independent thinking skills. This lays a foundation for long-term success.
Which Areas Do Our Montessori Studies Include?
Daily Life Skills
- Focusing attention and mental concentration skills
- Hand-eye coordination
- Sense of order
- Self-regulation skills
- Perceptions of independence
- Fine motor muscle development
Sensorial Materials
- Actively using all five senses
- Exploring dimensions, weights, geometric shapes, sounds, smells, tastes, and different surfaces
- Experiencing different sizes, weights, and sequences by touching and feeling
- Getting acquainted with colors, shapes, smells, and tastes
- Developing skills for perceiving details, differentiation, sorting, organizing, and arranging
Math Materials
- Recognizing numbers, counting, matching, and grasping the four operations
- Learning mathematics with concrete materials
- Learning and internalizing mathematics as if it were a game
- Problem-free experience in mathematics
- Learning abstract concepts through concrete materials
Language Activities
- Recognizing sounds and learning letters
- Preparing for reading and writing
- Developing the ability to use a pencil
- Naming objects, professions, and tools
- Reinforcing knowledge and language proficiency
Culture Corner - Cosmic Life
- Introducing the Earth and biodiversity
- Learning about nature and geography from the concrete to the abstract, from the near to the far
- Environmental conservation and taking responsibility for nature
- Understanding different cultures
- Creating lasting knowledge through experience
- Experiencing various phenomena through play
The Difference Between Montessori and Traditional Approaches
- In the Montessori philosophy, the child is in an active learning position, while in traditional education methods, the child is in a passive learning role.
- In the Montessori philosophy, an individualized educational program is prepared based on the child's needs, curiosity, and developmental characteristics. In traditional education, the educational program is prepared in a group-focused manner without getting to know the child and understanding their needs throughout the process.
- In Montessori philosophy, the child is active in the learning process and can repeat as much as they need. In traditional education, children are required to develop specific skills at certain intervals. There is no flexibility in time based on the child's needs.
- In the Montessori philosophy, the teacher is the one who observes the child, analyzes their needs and developmental characteristics, and designs the environment necessary for the child to learn more. In traditional education, the teacher is active and decision-maker, and the child follows the teacher.
- Montessori philosophy aims to develop internal discipline. In traditional education, discipline is enforced by the teacher.
- In the Montessori philosophy, mixed-age arrangements are created to allow children to learn from each other. In traditional education, children of the same age receive education together, and peer learning is not emphasized.
Frequently Asked
Why mixed-age classrooms?
Mixed-age classrooms allow older children to assist younger ones and to play a leadership role in guiding their peers. Older children help their younger classmates, which not only benefits the younger ones but also enhances the older children's skills and allows them to serve as role models. The younger children, in turn, become more motivated and engaged when learning from their older peers. In Montessori classrooms, all children take on the roles of both learners and teachers.
What are Montessori materials?
Montessori materials are designed to meet the developmental needs of children and to support their capacity for self-directed and independent learning. Each Montessori material has primary and secondary aims, and educators observe how children interact with these materials to assess their development. The error-control mechanisms in Montessori materials help children recognize their mistakes and correct them, fostering independent learning.
Who is a Montessori educator?
A Montessori educator is an individual who has received specialized training in Montessori Philosophy, in addition to their background in early childhood education. Montessori educators are responsible for supporting children's self-directed learning, acting as role models, observing children's development, and adjusting the learning environment based on these observations.
Message from Our Founder
At Mi Casa Montessori Preschool, we embrace an educational approach that fosters independence. Through this approach, children become active learners who pursue their curiosities and develop a strong sense of self-awareness in relation to themselves and their surroundings. With a quality learning environment and dedicated educators, children have access to a natural setting where they can develop in all areas of their lives.