The Remarkable and Timeless Nature of the Montessori Materials

Posted on May 12, 2016 by HealthyBeginningsMontessoriHouse

This time of year is typically the kick-off for parent tours, or those looking for fall enrollment. One of the many things I enjoy most while guiding new parents through our hallways is the opportunity to show off the works in our classroom. If they come at the right time, they even get to witness the beauty of a Montessori work cycle in motion. The families seem to be amazed at the pure quality of the Montessori materials, and how everything in the classroom is…real.

Montessori classrooms are beautiful. They resemble tiny living communities for the children, complete with authentic, real materials. It’s common for Montessori classrooms to have wood shelves, filled with wooden works. Porcelain pitchers in the practical life area. Glass cups and plates in the kitchen, and glass vases for flower arranging. The use of real materials shows the child that we respect their work; we want them to have “real life” experiences. We want them to learn to handle the materials with care, and to carry their bodies in a cautious manner.

Montessori materials are absolutely beautiful.

Each material was designed by Dr. Maria Montessori with a specific goal in mind, brought forth by observing the children, as they experimented with the works. She was a scientist, and spent many years creating, manipulating, and revising her works according to what worked best for the children. She understood human development, and developed a pedagogy based on just that. Montessori materials allow for the child to work independently and spontaneously, bringing forth a subconscious love of learning.

Children have a desire to explore; to manipulate objects into whatever their mind desires. For our young, primary students, we do not use computers in the classroom. According to Paula Polk Lillard, “It appears that children six to nine years old develop best when their hands are more directly involved with manipulating materials in their work. It is essential during this period that the children learn to think clearly and read and write in an organized manner. Computers are therefore not included in the prepared environment for use in research studies and creative writing until the upper elementary level.” (Montessori Today) Continue reading →

Capturing Ordinary Days: Journey to Independence

Posted on June 10, 2015 by HealthyBeginningsMontessoriHouse

Montessori practice supports the natural unfolding of human development in the earliest years. Assistants to Infancy teachers work collaboratively with the child through the stages of acquiring abilities, using such tools as keen observation skills, a dynamic language environment and the understanding that each new level of abilities achieved becomes a stepping stone for the next. Adults gain an appreciation of what concentration looks like for children under three years of age. The teacher understands that each child’s growth is following a critical pattern established by nature and that moments of “developmental crises” that present themselves are really opportunities for moving forward to the next level. Toilet learning is approached using Montessori principles and respectfully maintaining the dignity of the child. The signs are clear when a child is ready to transition from the infant community into a primary setting.