Montesecrets - Latest Comments in What type of Montessorian are you?

Re: What type of Montessorian are you?

Vangi33aus — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 10:41:45 -0000

Can I ask what the article is called and where I can find it?
Thanks!

Re: What type of Montessorian are you?

peacefulguide — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:31:31 -0000

I would consider myself what you call a "die-hard" Montessorian, and in my classroom we only have Montessori materials. The reason Montessori materials trump "non-Montessori" materials is because they are scientifically-designed, they isolate a specific quality, and they are very exact. Hence, they provide the child with precisely the information/knowledge they need to acquire. Non-Montessori materials, while fun to work with and seemingly "educational", for the most part do not embody the qualities found in the other materials and don't satisfy the human tendencies or cater to the child's sensitive periods. It is important to remember that Dr. Montessori was a scientist, and she wanted to make sure that all materials embodied certain characteristics. The reason the materials haven't changed much over the decades is because they STILL demonstrate the concepts they were designed to highlight, in a way that is clear and precise. While our society has changed, bringing with it external changes in our children (ADD, etc.), the true essence of the child and his need for clear, precise information that he can use to reach his own conclusions has remained the same. Human beings evolve over millions of years, not over one century. It's also important to note that the Montessori materials that currently exist are those that children have chosen to work with again and again around the world. Materials that went untouched by the children have been phased out, as this was Dr. Montessori's approach from the start. When one has worked in a Montessori classroom that upholds the Montessori philosophy, one discovers the spectacular depth of the materials and the method. It is not always easy to stay true to the philosophy. Many times I want to bust out the tongs and jelly beans and get the children to do some busy work to get them out of my hair. But then I remember the countless "aha" moments the children have experienced while using the true Montessori materials... I have never seen them have this experience with busywork. Also, remember that Montessori is NOT just about materials. It is an entire philosophy, and our goal is to guide the children towards exploration and abstraction, in a sense weaning them off the materials. Spend more time with the true Montessori materials, wean yourself (and the children) off the busywork, approach your classroom like a scientist, and before long you will be floored by the depth and genius of the method. Good luck!

Re: What type of Montessorian are you?

Montesecrets — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:31:31 -0000

I totally know where you are coming from. I think the best advice someone ever gave me was to just sit back for 15-20 minutes and observe the child. Try to find out what interests the them, and work with what you see. Whatever you do, don't FORCE a work on a child. If you have a child who doesn't choose any work on his own, you can give him the choices. For example, "Billy, I'd like to do the red rods and colored bead stairs with you today. t is now 9am. I'd like you to choose a time when you'll be free for us to work together." Even though the teacher is choosing the works, the child is choosing the time. So, it's a win-win.
Also, if there are small chores to do around the class, ask the child to be your special helper. (ex. taking out the trash, folding napkins, setting up cups, ect.). This will make them feel like they are contributing to the class. Good luck!

Re: What type of Montessorian are you?

Hawk — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:17:33 -0000

This really has nothing to do with your current post, and I apologize.. but I was wondering a question.

How do you deal, in your classroom, with students who seem to have no interest in anything? I teach a montessori based philosophy in a traditional classroom while I'm working on completing my Montessori training. I have one little boy who, no matter the work, chooses not to do anything... Often times he becomes a disruption to the other children.

I have tried many things from sitting with him and asking his interests to merely leaving him alone... and nothing seems to be helping.

Any suggestions?