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Elisa Serrano worked in a Montessori school for three years. Today she joins me on Educationeering to talk about her experience, as well as the theory behind the Montessori method.
Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori started the first Montessori school in 1907, based on her research and work with children. She was an Italian doctor whose passion was children. She observed how kids developed, and built her education model on the way children naturally learn.
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher…is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’ -Maria Montessori
Kids in a Montessori school are not in grades, as in other schools. They are with kids near the same age, but are not restricted to children at the exact same developmental stage. This is an incredible idea. Children learn best from people younger and older than them. Having access to a larger range of kids is an impressive twist on standard education.
“You can’t force [children] to learn something they’re not interested in.” -Elisa Serrano
Montessori curriculum is molded to each individual child’s needs. The classrooms are full of learning tools like blocks and sand, with which the kids can teach themselves.
In addition to reading and writing, Montessori kids learn how to make lunch and clean up after themselves. Mobility skills like pouring water are as much a part of their education as books and papers.
The Role of a Montessori Teacher
A Montessori teacher observes her students. His or her role is to watch the children as they learn, and be an asset to their self-guided education.
Classrooms are bright, cheery, and interactive. Children are not restricted by desks and schedules, and teachers focus on the individual education experience of each child.
Positive Discipline
Montessori schools rely on positive reinforcement to build problem-solving skills. Rather than telling kids exactly what to do, teachers focus on helping them fix the issues that they run into one step at a time.
Elisa’s favorite book by Maria Montessori: Maria Montessori- her Life and Work
In my opinion, Montessori schooling has captured the essence of true education in a way that the traditional system has not. I enjoyed hearing this perspective from Elisa, and I can’t wait to read Maria’s books to learn more!