Independence is being able to do things
on your own and by yourself; making your own decisions and choices and managing
the consequences of your choices. This literally means to not hang from
another person or thing. This is the kind of learning children experience in
Montessori classroom. This type of learning emphasises on self-determination
and self-realization. Maria Montessori devised an approach to learning based
on her observation of children and the way children learn. She had faith and
trust in children’s ability, and valued the importance of using children’s
talent to demonstrate their knowledge. Montessori classroom reflects children’s
home or house, and are made specifically to tailor children’s learning in a
very calm and quiet environment. The title ‘Montessori children’s house’
makes sense in this context of learning. Children have a choice on various
learning activities; they have the option of choosing whatever they feel like
doing on any particular day of learning. In this way children learn to take
care of their own desires. Children learn to care for their environment; they
are in charge of their activities and are responsible for tidying after themselves.
Montessori is a child cantered notion of learning, children are free to explore
and experiment with guidance from governors. The governors are trained to
encourage and support child learning, but never to correct the child! This is
aimed at developing confidence and independent thinking. The governor must hold
a Montessori qualification and must understand the principles of Montessori
school. At a Montessori classroom you will observe music with low tone, often
very soothing. This provides a calming and inviting place for children to work
in.
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| Image from Uni Michigan |
The furniture in the classrooms is downsized
to small sizes to accommodate an average child; brightly coloured walls to
inspire learning and to make it fun. Montessori curriculum is based on
structured rather than imaginative play. Maria also believed that if children
work alone then they will become independent learners. Maria encouraged
children to organise their own activities, in this way children are absorbing
information at the same time of play. Learning outcomes are met through a
variety of assessments. Children in Montessori are prepared to do three-hour
uninterrupted work; children choose for themselves what kind of work to do, and
how long for; children decide when to have food and when to have a rest. This
is unique to Montessori schools only.
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