Philosophy & Classroom
What do Montessori students call their activities?
work
Prepared Environment
inviting, child-centric, materials are displayed neatly and accessibly, atmosphere is calm, respectful and allowing children to choose work freely.
"Don't run!"
"Walking feet"
eye-hand cordination
peg puzzles, threading, nuts and bolts, sorting, and opening and closing
what looks like a battle of wills is ACTUALLY...
a toddler learning that things don't go their way.
What is the primary goal of the "Directress" (teacher) in a Montessori environment?
to lead the child to independence
freedom of choice
children can decide what they work on and how long they want to work on them.
"Stop yelling!"
"Please use a quiet voice"
music and movement
shaking, music box, nature, slide, bike
What seems to be lack of flexibility is ACTUALLY...
an expression of their strong sense of order
What is the term for the 2–3 hour uninterrupted block of time for activity?
work cycle
self-directed learning
individual lessons are presented when the child shows he /she is identifying their interest and selecting activities that are based on their curiosity.
"It's okay, stop crying"
"I see that it is hard for you."
practical life
care of self, food prep, table setting, baking, window cleaning, flower arranging, cleaning
What seems to be intentionally going slowly to wind us up is ACTUALLY
them exploring everything in their path
Why are Montessori classrooms mixed-age (usually in 3-year spans)?
To foster peer learning, mentorship, and allow children to work at their own pace.
independence and responsability
"help me to help myself"
children want to be able to contribute and be part of the classroom.
"Are you ok"
"That was a big surprise/fall"
arts and crafts
water color, sewing, scribbling, scissors, playdough, gluing
what looks like repeating the same work or game over and over is ACTUALLY
the child trying to gain mastery
What is the teacher/student ratio in a toddler classroom?
1:5
observation
How many hours do Toddler teachers observe during training?
90-250+
"you are a great artist"
"you used many colors"
language
cards, book, replica objects, real objects, object with cards
What seems like a fussy child, runny nose and a fever is ACTUALLY
they are actually sick.