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What Makes Montessori, Montessori
THE TEACHER
Montessori teachers have teaching qualifications as well as Montessori accreditation. They are the dynamic link between their students and the learning materials, they support students in their process of self-development. Montessori teachers are responsible for observing students closely to determine when students need guidance or independence. They observe where their students are in their development and decide what activities they will steer their students toward. They personify the Montessori principles and lead by example by being polite, humble, curious, peaceful, fair, and honest. Montessori teachers hold, love, respect, and dignity for each, individual, child's total being.
"The vision of the teacher should be at once precise like that of the scientist and spiritual like that of the saint. The preparation for science and the preparation for sanctity should form a new soul, for the attitude of the teacher should be at once positive, scientific, and spiritual. Positive and scientific, because she has an exact task to perform, and it is necessary that she should put herself into immediate relation with the truth by means of rigorous observation... Spiritual, because it is to man that his powers of observation are to be applied and because the characteristics of the creature who is to be his particular subject of observation are spiritual."
—Dr. Maria Montessori, 'The Advanced Montessori Method - I,' Clio Press Ltd, 107THE STUDENT
Montessori students embody a unique set of characteristics that reflect the values of Montessori education:
Curious and Inquisitive: Montessori students demonstrate a genuine interest in learning, ask questions, and seek answers through hands-on experiences and inquiry-based activities.Self-Motivated and Independent: Montessori students take initiative in their learning, make choices based on their interests, and engage in tasks with focus and determination.
Respectful and Empathetic: Montessori students demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and their environment. They exhibit empathy, kindness, and consideration towards their peers, teachers, and the world at large, fostering a sense of community and interconnectedness.
Creative and Innovative: Montessori students engage in imaginative play, think outside the box, and approach challenges with a sense of creativity and resourcefulness.
Collaborative and Communicative: Montessori students work well with peers, share ideas, and engage in meaningful dialogue to solve problems, explore concepts, and deepen their understanding of the world.
Responsible and Self-Disciplined: Montessori students take ownership of their actions, follow classroom norms and routines, and demonstrate a willingness to contribute positively to their learning environment.
Inquisitive and Critical Thinker: Montessori students are encouraged to think critically, analyze information, and draw connections between concepts. They approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset, ask thoughtful questions, and engage in reflective practices to deepen their understanding.
Adaptive and Resilient: Montessori students embrace new experiences, learn from mistakes, and approach obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning.
By nurturing these traits within a supportive and enriching learning environment, Montessori education empowers students to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and beyond, preparing them to become lifelong learners and compassionate global citizens.
MIXED AGE GROUPS
Montessori classrooms are divided into multi-age groupings based on each child's stage of development. Students stay with one class for an entire three-year cycle. This three-year grouping starts with the Children’s House, designed for ages pre-school and kindergarten, and continues on through Lower Elementary for grades 1-3, Upper Elementary for grades 4-6, and Middle School for grades 7 and 8.
Multi-age classrooms offer older students the opportunity to become mentors to their younger classmates while learning and practicing important leadership skills. Younger students see their peers lead by example and have a better understanding of what is expected of them now and in upcoming grade levels. having a three-year cycle within a classroom creates a more stable student and teacher experience. Less time is spent on adjusting to a new classroom and teacher, and more is spent engaged and focused on the learning process.
THE PREPARED ENVIRONMENT
The Montessori classroom is organized to support the developmental characteristics and interests of the mixed-age groups within them. They promote activity and purposeful engagement for students. The environment includes accessible furniture for the ages they cater to, a variety of workspaces, and scientifically designed materials displayed for free choice of activity. The materials students use support exploration that leads to both practical skills and abstract knowledge.
OBSERVATION
Montessori educators “follow the child” and observe their strengths and capabilities. Educators assess a student’s progress, looking for when a student has mastered a skill and is ready to move on to a new lesson. They see when a student is interested in a concept, which allows them to know what materials to introduce, to foster their growth in that subject. Lessons are not given to all students, all at once but to each, individual student, based on what is observed. However, observations are not limited to individual students. Educators observe groups of students and even the whole classroom, in addition to individual students. A necessary component of observation is to observe without bias. Bias is something everyone is capable of doing but staying present and in the moment helps one not prejudge a student.
“As we observe children, we see the vitality of their spirit, the maximum effort put forth in all they do, the intuition, attention and focus they bring to all life’s events, and the sheer joy they experience in living.”
—Dr. Maria Montessori, The Child, Society and the World (Unpublished Speeches and Writing)
COSMIC EDUCATION
Cosmic Education is a cornerstone of the Montessori Philosophy to encompass the development of the whole person within the context of the universe. It tells the story of the interconnectedness of all things! Cosmic Education is used to help students better understand the world and their place within it. Students learn through studies of the past, develop an understanding of ethics, and value the contributions of others. These teachings provide children a deep understanding of their moral responsibility to address global issues affecting humankind and the environment.
For more information on Cosmic Education, please watch this informational TED Talk with Association Montessori International Teacher, Michelle Graham.
