The Montessori Method

The below has been borrowed with thanks from Montessori Mom. I think it is a great summary of the Montessori method. Feel free to comment!

The Montessori Method

"I have studied the child. I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it and that is what is called the Montessori method." Dr. Maria Montessori.

The Montessori Method is a way about thinking about who children are. It is a philosophy that respects the unique individuality of each child. Dr. Montessori believed in the worthiness, value and importance of children. Her method does not compare a child  to norms or standards that are measured by traditional educational systems. It is founded on the belief that children should be free to succeed and learn without restriction or criticism.

It is also an approach to education that takes to heart the needs, talents, gifts, and special individuality of each child. It is a process that helps children learn in their own way at their own pace. The main concept of Montessori is to promote the joy of learning. This joy of learning develops a well adjusted person who has a purpose and direction in his or her life. Children, who experience the joy of learning, are happy, confident, fulfilled children. In essence, Montessori helps bring forth the gift of each child.

Another important skill it teaches is self-reliance and independence. It helps a child to become independent by teaching him or her life skills, which is called practical life. Montessori children learn to dress themselves, help cook, put their toys and clothes away and take an active part of their household, neighborhood and school.

Montessori works in a methodical way. Each step in the process leads to the next level of learning. When a child plays, he or she is  learning concepts for abstract learning. Repetition of activities is an integral part of this learning process.

For young children Montessori is a hands on approach to learning. It encourages children to develop their observation skills by doing many types of activities. These activities include use of the five senses, kinetic movement, spatial refinement, small and large motor skill coordination, and concrete knowledge that leads to later abstraction.

For a grade school child, Montessori encourages a child to proceed at his or her own pace onto abstract thinking, writing, reading, science, mathematics and most importantly, to absorb his or her culture and environment. Culture includes interaction with nature, art, music, religion, societal organizations and customs.

A Montessori teacher or instructor observes each child like a scientist, providing every child with an individual program for learning. Phoebe Child (Head of the Montessori trust in London) said "we must be prepared to wait patiently like a servant, to watch carefully like a scientist, and to understand through love and wonder like a saint."

Most of all, Montessori wanted to help free a child's mind to be unfettered to learn without any negative input. It is success oriented in that almost everything is self-teaching and self-correcting. The children learn by doing and by experimentation. The environment is specifically prepared for the children to allow them to interact with it freely and unfettered, everything is child sized, and safe for children to touch and use. In fact, Dr. Montessori called her center "The Children's House".

The main goal of Montessori is to provide a stimulating, child oriented environment that children can explore, touch, and learn without fear. An understanding parent or teacher is a large part of this child's world. The end result is to encourage life long learning, the joy of learning, and happiness about one's path and purpose in life.

Lunch Ideas

Since Tristan has to bring his lunch to his new school (and therefore I have to pack it...), we are having to get pretty creative with lunch ideas. Tristan is not known for his willingness to try anything not shaped like a chicken nugget or filled with peanut butter.  And since I can't fill his lunchbox with cookies, doughnuts and candy,  here are some ideas that I have gathered from across the vast world wide web.

Yogurt / applesauce
Dried fruit (raisins or craisins) and cereal "granola"
Carrots and dip
Any kind of fruit
English muffin "pizza"
French toast sticks/mini waffles or pancakes
Goldfish
Turkey/ham roll ups (on a tortilla)
String cheese
Graham crackers/animals cookies
"Smores" (Graham crackers, marshmallow fluff and nutella)
Grilled chicken strips
Cubed cheese
Breakfast bars
Fruit snacks
Muffins
Cheese and crackers
Pasta and sauce
Cream cheese and jam sandwich (tried to give him blueberry cream cheese yesterday - no go.)
Meatballs (Tristan loves the little meatballs in his ABC's 123's)

**saw this great idea - to send milk, freeze the container of milk when it is half full. In the morning, fill it up with cold milk and it should be perfect by lunchtime!

It will certainly be an exercise in creativity! Will make sure to let you know what works and what doesn't! I suposse if he gets hungry enough, he'll eat what I send!  I am open to any ideas you all might have too - feel free to leave a comment!

Walk Consent Form

How many shcools ask you to sign a consent form so your child can go with the class to explore the 2 acres of woods behind the school? I had to sign a Walk Consent Form for Tristan's new school because the school "likes to extend our classroom with these important experiences as we respect the spontaneity and flexibility the Montessori environment so wonderfully encourages".   The school has woods behind it that allow for nature walks and visits outdoors when the weather permits.

I personally think this is a great thing. Right now when Tristan goes outside to play, it is in a fenced in area with plastic and metal play things. Now he will have the opportunity to go outside into the woods where he can see bugs, animals, leaves, and dirt! They do encourage you to send the kids in "play" clothes as there is no telling what they will do any particular day - paint, do water experiments, or go for a walk in the woods.  The school did mention that it is very careful to watch what the kids touch so they can learn what is OK to touch and what is not okay to touch. I hope that lesson involves "Do not ouch the snake..."!

I know this is something that Tristan will love because he will watch a bug for a long time (well, until it turns and comes towards him- then he takes off running!).  He loves being outside and this flexibility to go outdoors will be a great addition to his day.

Do your kids love to be outside, regardless if it is 30 degrees or 70 degrees?!