Dr. Maria Montessori

The Montessori approach to education takes its name from Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator (1870-1952). Dr. Maria Montessori developed her educational philosophy as a result of her observations of the way children naturally learn. 

Every material in a Montessori classroom supports an aspect of child development, creating a match between the child’s natural interests and the available activities. Children can learn through their own experience and at their own pace. They can respond at any movement to the natural curiosities that exist in all humans and build a solid foundation for lifelong learning. Montessori environments support the learning of children from birth to middle school.   

What is the Montessori Method of learning ?

“Montessori is a method of education that is based on self directed activity, hands on learning collaborative play. In Montessori class rooms, children make creative choices in their learning, while the classroom and the teacher offer age appropriate activities to guide the process”. 

Children work in groups and individually to discover and explore knowledge of the world and to develop their maximum potential.

Montessori classrooms are beautifully crafted environments designed to meet the needs of children in a specific age range. Dr. Maria Montessori discovered that experimental learning in this type of classroom led to a deeper understanding of language, mathematics, science, music, social interactions and much more. Most Montessori classrooms are secular in nature, although the Montessori educational method can be integrated successfully into a faith-based programme.

Utilizing scientific observation and experience gained from her earlier work with young children, Maria designed learning materials and a classroom environment that fostered the children’s natural desire to learn.

Pre-primary for children aged three to six years

  •  Fosters the growth of functional independence, task persistence and self-regulation.
  •  Prompts social development through respectful, clear communication and safe, natural consequences. 
  •  Contains a large variety of materials for the refinement of sensory perception and the development of literacy and mathematical understanding.
  •  Offers opportunities for imaginative exploration leading to confident, creative self - expression.    

Lower Elementary, ages six to nine 

  •  Offers opportunities for collaborative intellectual exploration in which the child’s interests are supported and guided.
  •  Supports the development of self-confidence, imagination, intellectual independence and self-efficacy.

Role of a Teacher in Montessori Envts

Role of a Teacher in Montessori Envts

“The role of a Montessori teacher is that of an observer whose ultimate goal is to intervene less and less as the child develops. The teacher’s first objective is to prepare and organize the learning environment to meet the needs and interests of the children as well as promote independence”.  A Montessori teacher is called a Directress. Maria Montessori chose this name as it best describes the teacher’s role within the classroom. The directress is trained specially to observe and to respond to the needs of each child. 

Guiding

The Montessori teacher’s role is different from the role played by traditional teachers present a lesson to the large group of students who are expected to listen and absorb the information provided. Mont. Teachers work with only one or two students at a time providing learning material for the needs and interest of each child in the class.  In this way, children work at their own pace in a peaceful environment.

Learning

If a child is not ready, a Montessori teacher does not force the child to learn. For instance, the teacher associates an object with its name, such as “book”, and asks the child to identify the word. If the child points to the object, the association has been made. If not, the teacher doesn’t correct the child but revisits the lesson another day.

Salient features of Dr. Jamal Memorial M E S

  •  Well equipped and spacious Environments.
  •  Proficient and experienced faculty.
  •  Effective vertical grouping of children.
  •  Effective communication in English.
  •  Focus on holistic development of the children.
  •  Lovely and friendly approach to the pupils.
  •  Adequate opportunities for self correction.
  • Well updated and simple curriculum.
  •  Well prepared learning activities through specially designed aids.
  •  Successful methods of regular evaluation and assessment.
  •  Treats every child as an individual.
  •  Individual attention and special care for slow learners.
  •  Child oriented learning activities.
  •  Freedom to work with the learning materials.
  •  Most advanced and well equipped computer lab.
  •  Special ‘Madrassa’ education by the language scholars.
  •  Celebrations of important festivals and events.
  •  Regular field trips and outings.
  •  Homely featured dining area.
  •  Special coaching on arts, music and sports.
  •  Sufficient medical facilities.
  •  Awareness, guidance and counselling classes for parents.
  •  Opportunity for parents to observe the environments and activities.
  •  Good transportation and communication facilities.