Assignment 1

Montessori

Module 1: Introduction to

Main discoveries made by Maria Montessori

Dr. Maria Montessoris, educational approach based on observation and

experimentation. She used a scientific approach. She worked tirelessly
observing children, analyzing results and developing new materials. In start
she worked with mentally disabled children and achieved astonishing results.
After that she thought to work with normal children. She believed the secret
of childhood that every child have a potential and its the responsibility of
adults to help them and flourish this potential. Montessori was the
revolutionary who created her method from observation, not just from old
theories.

Here are some of her observations that have the most importance for early
learning activities:

She carefully observed the inclination of childs interest and developed

the materials/activities accordingly.

She observed that child whose concentration on graded wooden

cylinders was so strong that efforts to distract him were useless. And when
the child had finished he seemed rested and happy. The childs ability for
deep concentration and love towards the work was phenomenal.

She also observed the childs need for repetition which fulfilled a
childs need. She then decided to give children the freedom to be able to
accomplish their work.

Maria Montessori also observed that children had a great sense of

order. Children put things back to where it belonged. She respected this and
allowed them to do it by placing the materials in an open cupboard rather
than locked cupboards as it was initially done. This cemented the way for the

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Montessori

Module 1: Introduction to

freedom of choice for the child to choose their work. She observed that real
discipline comes through freedom.

When Montessori gave a lesson on blowing the nose she received

great cheer from the children. Children are always being practised about
keeping their nose clean but no one has calmly taught them how to do it.
This made her realize that even small children had a sense on personal
dignity. Montessori always emphasized the respect for even the youngest
child.

She observed that her children have more interest in academic

activities instead of toys. She noticed that children preferred work over play,
especially in school timings.

She observed that young children are highly energetic activity

powerhouses, always seeking out experiences that will help them grow and
develop. She observed that children have the ability to select their own
work/activity. They are not work for any incentives or rewards. Their inner
motivation is fair enough to motivate them for a particular work.

She observed that a child can learn almost everything in early

childhood, as it was previously thought, that many things are too complex for
children.

She observed and believed that real obedience comes through love,
respect and faith. Elders/ teachers should be polite and sharp enough to
understand the childs behavior.

She believed that the childs behavior depends on the environment. A

child can be disobedient, stubborn etc. or a child can be disciplined, happy
and healthy. It depends on the environment. If proper, healthy and

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Montessori

Module 1: Introduction to

interactive environment provided to children and their rightful needs fulfilled,

they behave normal otherwise not. The second condition is called deviation.

She noticed that children are willing to do their work by their own.
They feel happy and satisfied while doing daily household activities. Like
cleaning, washing etc. She concluded that children want to learn Help me
do it myself strategy.

After continues research and observation she came to know the traffic
patterns of the room arrangements for children. Room should not be
congested and over loaded. Children love to sit on floor during many
activities so there should be rugs or floor mats for them.

She noticed that children are more comfortable with their sized
furniture and things. So whole building and rooms are designed according to
children interest and comfort ability. The furniture, washrooms etc. are
designed and sized for children. Windows low to the ground and low shelves
used so that children can have the outside view and used things from
shelves.

She discovered that for building childs complete personality, they

need to do activities regarding sensorial concepts, physical activities,
languages, math, art, culture and many more.

After all these observation and changes first Casa dei Bambini (House of
Children) came out. The fame of Maria Montessori, her House of Children and
method quickly spread all over the world.

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