MONTESSORI: WORK, PEDAGOGY, AND RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES
This article analyzes Maria Montessori’s work in addition to educational ideals. Since there is a lot of material available on this outstanding educator, the goal of this blog is to assist as many parents as possible. This post attempts to provide an understanding of her work and beliefs.
On August 31, 1870, Maria Montessori was born in Chiaravalle, an Italian town. She began her professional life as a physician, becoming the first female physician in Italy. She began by working with kids who were mentally impaired in a unit. Nevertheless, she soon concluded that pedagogy was the topic she wanted to focus on because of the daily friction she had with these kids, who required education rather than medical care.
her initial focus was on mentally retarded children, to minimize their challenges in adulthood. She felt that these kids should have the opportunity to learn as well, and she hoped that by implementing her curriculum, she would inspire them to be self-disciplined and eager to learn new things. Therefore, based on her curriculum, which involved a different methodology than what they were accustomed to, it appeared that these kids were capable of a lot more. Thus, she realized that to heal all of these kids, pedagogy and medicine needed to collaborate.
She was soon requested to oversee the education of a particular group of kids and felt that she could play an even bigger role in this. She established preschool education centers as a result. “Children’s House” was the name of the first one, and its first students were extremely impoverished kids without families. She was able to teach these uneducated children to behave beautifully and respectfully toward everyone around them through her method.
After witnessing her achievements, everyone was eager to learn more about her work and the education she was providing the kids, which led to a sharp rise in the number of kids. She advocated for the right to education for all kids. She aimed to promote every child’s growth without limiting their freedom. She maintained that since every child has an innate motivation from birth that allows them to accept and comprehend the world around them, they should be allowed to grow at their speed and without external pressure or compulsion. In other words, she desired the kids to be independent and not rely on outside assistance.
THE PURPOSE OF HER PROGRAM
This Montessori kindergarten’s initial goal was to help kids learn to use all of their senses before concentrating on helping them develop mentally. She therefore requested that they create equipment for her that would be specifically tailored to the needs of the kids and would be based on her own ideas. Montessori maintained that mere play was a useless activity and that, instead, she should assist children have meaningful work.
Each child’s age, interests, and abilities were taken into consideration when designing this equipment. Furniture and tools that are appropriate for all kids were created as a result. According to Montessori, children should perform tasks that are typically performed in a household, such as cleaning, dusting, sweeping, mopping, and dishwashing, as well as other tasks related to self-care and the environment. Making the kids feel at ease and like they belong here is just what she set out to accomplish.
Her approach to teaching was grounded in scientific ideas about nature, evolution, and children’s freedom. She didn’t place any pressure on the kids to learn anything; instead, she welcomed their active participation and concentrated on practical approaches.
MONTESSORI PEDAGOGY
In addition to fostering each child’s unique personality development, the educator intended for the children to be self-taught within this educational framework. As part of her intention to create a logical progression from easiest to hardest, Montessori provided the children with equipment on a tiered scale. This was due to her desire to develop motor and sensory skills before language ones. As a result, the core principles of Montessori education were honoring the individuality and diversity of every child’s personality.
Her fundamental tenets were the kids’ autonomy and curiosity about the lessons they were learning, and she favored collaboration and teamwork. Her belief that each child knew best how to act to get the knowledge they sought made her trust them an essential component of her overall method.
This is why it disregarded grades, tests, and other practices that led to kid competitiveness, as its goal was not to promote prejudice or segregation. She desired a peaceful, harmonious environment free from conflict and tension because he believed it would benefit the kids’ growth.
As a result of being able to choose their own schedule and complete tasks without seeking permission, the kids also became more independent. Because they were accountable for the knowledge they were gaining, they were therefore motivated to study and felt a sense of duty. Because they did not force themselves to do things that they did not want to do, their self-discipline helped them accept who they were. As a result, the institution was distinguished by the peace and order that resulted from the kids’ employment in fascinating jobs.
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
1. Allow them to assist with housework, gardening, grocery shopping, cooking, and other household activities. Assign them a specific task and provide them with the tools they need to complete it successfully.
2. Teach your child how to care for the household’s plants and animals. As much as feasible, delegate their care to him or her.
3. Visit interesting locations with your kids, such as post offices, libraries, zoos, zoos, children’s theaters, playgrounds, beaches, and parks. Discuss with your youngster what you observe at each location.
4. Give your kids a magazine, cut out some pictures, and encourage them to talk about them. Tell them tales. If required, instruct them on how to use technical tools.
5. Share with your child your hobbies and specific interests, including your knowledge of musical instruments, drawing, and sports.
6. Take your child to see relatives and friends. Make sure the child has something to entertain him or her and keep these visits brief. Build a bond between the kids and their grandparents.
