THE MONTESSORI METHOD IN THE EVERYDAY LIFE
The Montessori method of education continues to fascinate parents. Increasingly popular in educational institutions, it has demonstrated its effectiveness and accessibility. It is even possible and rather simple to integrate it into your home. So how do you go about it?
What is the Montessori Method of Learning?
The Montessori method boils down to this very simple idea: play and learn. This advocates the child's independent learning through play, imitation and practice at the child's own pace.
The parent or the instructor serves as a guide, who directs the child in the activities and manipulations without however doing it for them. The guide shows them how to do it on their own so that the child gains confidence and independence.
While there are many toys adapted and designed specifically to serve Montessori pedagogy, it is important to know that it nevertheless applies in everyday life.
Anything can turn into a “Montessori” activity, provided it respects these 4 points.
The Environment at Child's Height
The Montessori method of learning aims to nurture the child's curiosity and create activities that correspond to their interests. An environment that they can see, experience and easily access will give them better conditions in which to grow and learn.
The Right Material
It is important to provide the child with the appropriate equipment. Tools, instruments and objects adapted to their age and size, but also to their abilities, will allow them to accomplish more activities and tasks on their own. Each accomplishment is a victory for their development!
The Good Guide
The parents or teacher play a crucial role in Montessori pedagogy, as they serve as a guide for the child.
The guide will be responsible for creating a framework for each activity, which will determine a beginning and an end to it, as well as a learning goal.
The guide will also be the example to follow for the child, who will be able to reproduce the demonstrated actions at their own pace thereafter.
The guide must always adopt a benevolent attitude and show patience so that the child has confidence and can progress at their own pace.
Self-correction
It is essential to let the child take the time to recover and improve, and the child must do it themself. The child knows their pace and the guide must respect their learning needs.
The child will be able to test their abilities by themself and adjust their manipulations accordingly.
The Montessori method of learning is wonderful and truly beneficial for children. It's never too late to incorporate it into your home! Always aim for active participation, initiate independent learning, and above all, encourage fun in learning and discovery!
A Few Montessori Activities
Culinary Activities
Good for: following instructions, doing manipulations, developing motor skills, calculating quantities, learning to collaborate
Garden maintenance
Good for: empowering the child, showing patience and carrying out a long-term project, assimilating knowledge about plants and vegetables, raising awareness of respect for nature
Reading
Good for: promoting a return to calm, learning the basics of language, improving communication, promoting cognitive development, involving the child by asking him questions
Outdoor activities
Good for: moving and spending energy, stimulating imagination, understanding environment and surroundings, developing spatio-temporal perception