There are many misconceptions about the Montessori learning environment. Many people view it as a free-for-all classroom environment, while others think of it as a rigid working atmosphere where the children have no time to play. Neither of these accusations is true and with so much information out there today, we have compiled a list of the essential elements in the Montessori learning environment:
Multi-age Setting
The children in the classroom are mixed in abilities and ages. There is steady interaction along with peer-to-peer teaching, problem solving, and socialization that occur in the classroom. On a regular basis the children are academically challenged according to their abilities.
The Classroom Schedule
Children under the age of six have one or two 3-hour work periods each day that are uninterrupted and not disturbed by mandatory group lessons. The adults and children of the classroom respect each other's concentration and do not interrupt someone that is busy with a task.
Teaching Method
With the Montessori learning environment, your child will not receive documents that are returned with corrections and red marks. Instead the child's effort and work is respected and the teacher, through meticulous record-keeping and observation, makes an individual plan that will enable the individual child to learn what they need in order to progress.
Work Centers
The classroom environment is arranged according to subject area and the children are always free to move about the room instead of being limited to their desks. There is no maximum amount of time that a child can work with a piece of material. All subjects are taught at some point throughout the day and at all levels.
Areas of Academic Study
The subjects all blend together and they are not taught separately. The Montessori teacher resonates as a person with broad interests for the children to model in their own behavior. A child can work on any material in the classroom at any time.
Character Education
The development and education of character is equally considered with the Montessori learning environment. The children learn to take care of themselves, their environment, and each other through activities such as cleaning, cooking, building, speaking politely, gardening, being considerate and helpful, and doing social work in their community.
Learning Styles
All types of intellect and styles of learning are nurtured in a Montessori learning environment.
Assessment
The Montessori learning environment does not impose letter grades or other methods of punishment and rewards to a child. Instead, the assessment is made from the teacher's meticulous record-keeping and observations. The true assessment of whether this type of learning environment is working or not lies within the behavior and accomplishments of the child, along with their maturity, kindness, happiness, and love towards learning.
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