The Three Elements of Montessori Method

Dr. Maria Montessori founded a theory of education that has had a profound influence on
the lives of thousands of children throughout the world since the beginning of the 20th
Century. She wrote that education should "… help the individual from birth and protect
his environment". From this crucial idea the whole of Montessori's theory, her
recommendation for educational practice including the organisation of the environment,
the curriculum and the important role of the educator, have developed and entered into
the mainstream of educational thought and practice.

The Montessori approach to education requires that children are placed in a well-planned
and structured environment which will meet their individual educational and cultural
needs. The children are free to follow their own interests within this planned
environment, rather than being forced to learn something that is inappropriate to their
developmental stage. The result is that children develop in a natural way and are highly
motivated. They develop good discipline and master basic skills, and in many cases
earlier than in a more traditional system of education. To bring about these results the
teacher is trained in specific skills, the curriculum is carefully planned to reflect the
children’s own culture and educational needs, the support materials for the curriculum are
specifically Montessori and the outcomes for the children are unique.

The three basic elements of Montessori method are:

1. Child
2. Adult
3. Environment

1. Child
The early years of the child are very absorbent and learning comes naturally to
them. The repeat activities and this in turn increases the child’s concentration. There is an
urge to do certain things in all children and this must be observed and encouraged. Every
child will have self-discipline, which is basically a need for order. Discipline should not
be confused for obedience. If a child is not doing a certain thing there could be a genuine
reason.

Child stages
a. 0-3 years – The Unconscious period
In this period the child will just look around and imitate what others do whether
right or wrong. The child is trying to fit himself into the environment.
b. 3-6 years – The Conscious period
The child starts understanding and can learn what is right and wrong. He is
absorbing everything around.
c. 6-9 years – Self disciplined period
Child concepts are clear by this age. His anxiety has vanished but the exploration
mode begins.
d. 9-12 years – Absorbing consciously
 The child in this age starts absorbing consciously or his absorption is focused
based on his choice and interest.

2. Adult
The Adult in the Montessori method plays the role of a guide with a pleasant
personality. The teacher will step in only when the child encounters difficulties. The adult
assesses advancements of the child and observes keenly. The teacher allows them to take
their time in getting comfortable with the environment. The child and the teacher develop
an intimate relationship with each other. The teacher also respects the child’s self-
motivation and helps the child become independent. The teacher should also provide
enough stimuli to the child by making the environment interesting and move or replace
materials, which do not seem interesting to the child. The teacher also sets a positive
influence on the child. The learning process for the teacher will be continuous and she
will be as passive & flexible as possible with the child. Also she needs to build
relationships with the parent by listening to them carefully and convey messages very
diplomatically.

4. Environment

This is referred to as the ‘Prepared Environment’ and by this is meant the physical
appearance and the arrangement of the learning materials adherence to certain principles
which focus on meeting the needs of the ‘whole child’. It is the teacher’s role to prepare
and maintain this environment. These principles encompass:

 freedom of movement and freedom of choice for the children

 structure and order in the arrangement and sequence of the materials
 an atmosphere that is attractive, warm and inviting
 materials that provide active learning experiences
 vertical grouping (in the age ranges 2½ to 6 years, 6 to 9 years, 9 to 12 years, 12
to 15 years)
 a closeness to nature and the natural world and activities and materials that
reflect the reality of life, not fantasy
 Light music playing at the background
 Every two months the materials should be changing
 It should be a growing environment
 The class should be on the ground floor with a play area and garden area.
 The walls should be light colored and rooms should be aesthetically pleasing.
 Materials should be placed at the eye level of the child.
 Materials should be placed in open and order of difficulty.
 Chowki’s can be replaced with table and chair.
 Bowls should be of glass and trays should be of same size.
 The child should do cleaning of the environment.
 Plants and pets are recommended in the Montessori environment.
Environment helps the child concentrate and normalize, hence all the above points should
be kept in mind and adhered to. The class should be kept clean and there should be
designated area for bags, books and other such things. Activities could be indoor or
outdoor. Nature walk and gardening are recommended.

The five areas in Montessori are:

1. Exercises in Practical Life

2. Sensorial Curriculum
3. Cultural Curriculum
4. Math Curriculum
5. Language Curriculum