Living in a world that makes parents believe that children need to learn everything as fast as they can and that they need to compete with everyone else to prove their worth, it is important for us, parents, to go back to the basics. By basics, I mean the path to education shown to us by the stalwarts of all ages. In this blog post, we shall briefly touch upon the eight core principles of Montessori Education. These principles are not all-inclusive, and there are other subtleties that define Montessori Education, however, these principles can get us started on the path to an intentional parenting journey and guide us to choose what is best for the holistic development of our children. So, without much ado, let's dive in!
#1 Play is Work
"Play is work. We should take play very seriously as it is the way the child expresses himself," Maria Montessori famously asserted, highlighting the profound importance of play in a child's development. According to Montessori, playing is the ultimate way of learning, driven by children's innate curiosity and desire for knowledge. She emphasized the significance of providing children with the right tools to support their natural inclination toward exploration and discovery. And, contrary to what the modern education system makes us believe, these tools are not books and pencils. These tools are primarily the kind of play and the kind of toys we expose our children to. But, make no mistake - that's not all! They are always learning by observing. So, anything that comes into their observation zone is a tool for educating them! That brings me to the next principle.
#2 Hands-On-Learning
Hands-on learning lies at the heart of the Montessori approach, recognizing that children learn best through direct experience. Maria Montessori coined the term "absorbent mind" to describe the remarkable ability of young children to effortlessly assimilate new information from their environment. She emphasized the critical importance of the early years, asserting that the period from birth to age six is when a child's intelligence is most formative. This is the time when many abstract connections are being formed within their brains, and these connections eventually shape their worldviews. We must remember that young children learn best by doing, by experiencing everything through their senses. So, it is always better to hand over an apple than to show an apple to teach them about an apple!
#3 Prepared Environment
At the core of the Montessori method lies the concept of the prepared environment—a space meticulously crafted to foster learning and independence. This environment should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also, allow children to move freely and act autonomously. Despite the emphasis on freedom of movement, Montessori recognized that children thrive in environments characterized by structure and order. There needs to be a rhythm in a day that should be fairly consistent. Contrary to common misconceptions, toddlers possess an inherent appreciation for routine and organization, which aids them in navigating the world around them.
#4 Fostering Independence
Montessori education champions independence, instilling in children a sense of self-reliance and responsibility. Through practical activities integrated into the Montessori schedule, such as sweeping, winding up after play, or personal care, children learn to take charge of their actions and surroundings. Central to this philosophy is the golden rule: "Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed." By allowing children to tackle challenges independently, they develop confidence in their abilities and a resilient mindset. Hence, we, adults, must refrain from helping them or offering them help unless asked for it. Studies show that parents are inclined to help children when they see them struggling with something; it is understandable! But it is counterproductive to their development when we help them too early because, it makes them doubt their capabilities!
#5 Observation by Educators and Parents
Observation plays a pivotal role in Montessori education. Observing a child guides educators and parents to tailor learning experiences to individual interests and developmental stages. Modern education system does allow us to cater to the unique strengths and needs of a child. An instruction-based education system that forces all children to learn everything at the same pace kind of defeats the purpose of education. There is a concept of sensitive periods in Montessori Education that says that sensitive periods are the periods of development in children when they are particularly drawn to specific activities or skills. These tendencies can only be identified by keen observation by caregivers, based on which they can provide targeted support and create an environment conducive to growth. To know more about the sensitive periods, check out the links in the footnote.
#6 Freedom within Limits
"Freedom within limits" encapsulates the Montessori philosophy on autonomy, emphasizing the importance of offering children choices within boundaries. While children are granted the freedom to select activities and make decisions, these options are carefully curated to align with their well-being and development. Montessori educators and parents serve as guides, facilitating learning experiences and nurturing children's natural inclinations while respecting their autonomy. Experts suggest that providing children with generally two options that we are okay with, can contribute significantly to reducing power struggles and, therefore, improve the quality of your relationship with your child.
#7 Respecting children and their uniqueness
Respect forms the cornerstone of the Montessori method, fostering a relationship of mutual understanding and appreciation between children and adults. Recognizing each child as a unique individual with distinct needs and learning styles underscores the commitment to honoring and supporting their journey of growth and discovery. We must learn to respect our children and that should translate into certain behavior changes in us like refraining from hitting or yelling at our children, labeling them good, bad, or shy, among other things.
Here, at Saha, we strive to provide you with the right tools for educating young children. Education during the first few years is intricately associated with the physical environment of the child. Our team at Saha will help you in creating the right environment for your child through the right kind of toys, clothing, and other essential items. Remember, everything a child comes in contact with during the first six years of her life, teaches her something!
Footnote:
- Sensitive periods. My Montessori Moments. (2022, November 14). https://mymontessorimoments.com/sensitive-periods/
- Natalie. (2021, September 24). What is Montessori? 7 principles of The montessori method. Montessori Up! https://www.montessoriup.com/what-is-montessori/
- Jones, S., & About The Author Stacy Jones When I became a foster mother. (2021, May 20). The 5 Montessori principles: What they are and how to apply them. Montessori For Today. https://montessorifortoday.com/the-5-montessori-principles-what-they-are-and-how-to-apply-them/
- Network, G. M. (2023, March 27). 12 select principles of Montessori Education - GMN. Welcome to the Global Montessori Network. https://theglobalmontessorinetwork.org/12-select-principles-of-montessori-education/