...child’s ultimate goal in life is to create the person s/he is to become (Montessori, 2012). There are intrinsic and universal powers within a child that are rudimentary in his/her arduous task of self-construction. Montessori identified these elements as: the human tendencies (1966, 2007a, 2007b), the planes of development (2007a), the absorbent mind (2007a), and the sensitive periods (1966). This paper will give an account on how these elements come together in a child’s life, and how, with the understanding of this concepts, the adults – parents, carers and educators alike – can prepare a favourable environment most suitable for the optimal formation of man. It will also provide examples of the unfolding of this process of growth and development. Montessori (2012) identified three planes of development which are grouped into six-year cycles: birth to age six, age six to 12, and age 12 to 18 (Montessori, 2012). The second plane, childhood, is peaceful and stable, while the first and third planes, the absorbent mind and adolescence, respectively, are periods of dramatic changes and creative transformations. Montessori believed that the first stage of growth is the most important one because “(a)t no other age has the child greater need of an intelligent help, and any obstacles that impedes his creative work will lessen the chance he has of achieving perfection” (2007a, p26). According to Montessori (2012), a child’s mind possesses unique powers, present only in this...
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...Normalisation is a very controversial issue in the non-Montessori circles as it is surrounded by lots of misunderstandings hence in this assignment i will shed the light on the process of the child’s growing normalisation and how it affects the role of the teacher. I will also define the term normalisation and link it with the concept of deviation. The prepared environment that supports a child’s normalisation process will be explained and linked to the child’s growing social development. Moreover I will describe the teacher’s initial approach with a new child in the setting and how the teacher’s role changes with the child’s growing normalisation. I will also give some reasons as to why a child might regress. Montessori believed that the child is born good and capable to construct him/her self and reach his/her full potential and become a perfect human if left free in an environment that suits her/his needs and caters for it. However, many children meet various setbacks and regressions during their developmental journey and do not end up being the perfect adults they meant to be. This should be the main aim of education and teachers should provide conditions that guide a child towards this natural path they are born to take that can be referred to as ‘normalisation’ (Montessori, 2007a, 183). Maria Montessori used the term normalisation to refer to a process or a phenomenon that she saw in her work with the children at San Lorenzo in Rome. This process occurs when development...
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...Critically evaluate Montessori’s ideas for the education of young children and discuss whether they provide a model for early years practice today Structure of the work; Montessori’s ideas on education? 1. Her ideas about what is learning/ the materials the child uses? 2. The ideas for the child’s environments? Everything there? To support their learning? Bringing the Montessori Approach to your Early Years Practice. pages: 18 3. Role of the teacher? Then Compare today’s ideas 1. How does her use of materials set in today’s theory? How does her materials support today’s learning? 2. Does her theory fit today theory? 3. Role of teachers does it set in today’s theory? Her ideas then and now? relevant education materials children tend to teach themselves? but today, materials sharing with each other and talk to each other. The basic goals of the Montessori Method are to develop the child’s independence and productivity as well as preserve the dignity of the child while focusing on the psychological health of the child. Education for the Montessori Method begins at birth and continues through the first six years. These early years are essential for development. To develop skills there are delicate time frames where learning is uninterrupted. This learning can be encouraged by experiences Observation: the key role of the teacher is that of observing the child and letting him express himself. Montessori’s scientific background suggested...
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...Maria Montessori Julianne Perry ECE101: Introduction to Early Childhood Education Monica Kelly June 13, 2011 Thesis: Maria Montessori's way of learning is very unique; her theory was for children learn in a natural and parent-supported environment. Outline I. Education of Montessori 1. First woman to receive a Medical Degree in Italy A. Studied psychiatry, education and anthropology. B. Worked, wrote and spoke for children with special needs 2. Many schools use the Montessori Method to teach today A. Principles of the Montessori Method B. Planes of Development II. Learning Style 1. Independence A. Children work individually rather than in-group activities B. Children have more freedom and work at their own pace 2. Strong Parent Involvement A. Parents participate in their child's activities home away from school B. Parent education programs III. Schools Today 1. Teachers syllabus A. Independent projects for children and programs for parent involvement B. Children work on anything they want, at their own pace Montessori's teaching is different than traditional lessons because her lessons are more about parent involvement and individuality rather than group activity. This paper will show how Montessori inspires me and how my classroom would compare to hers. Maria Montessori is a very smart woman, in my opinion. By reading a time-line about her and learning more and more about her, I understand her...
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...obstacles placed by society seldom make history or do anything incredible during their lifetime. Women who fight the obstacles accomplish amazing things . Maria Montessori is a prime example of a woman who pushed through the obstacles that society placed on her and made a huge impact on education world wide. Why did Maria Montessori education method impact people worldwide? Her method contributed to the development of education. First, we have to understand who Maria Montessori was and how she improved the educational situation at that time. Maria Montessori was born on August 31, 1870 in Ancona, Italy. Her father worked as a civil servant throughout his life, and her mother who came from an academic family, was well educated for 19th-century European women. When Montessori was five years old, she and her family moved to Rome. Upon turning 12, Montessori decided she wanted to enroll in technical school for secondary education. Her father was not a fan of this decision because he felt that Women should be restricted to only learning certain subjects, but her mother didn’t mind the idea because she believed in letting her child explore her natural inclination to learn. Maria Montessori grew up in Italy during the time when strict rules dictating social customs and practices were prevalent. However, from a young age, Montessori was prepared to challenge the prevailing system. Against the wishes of her father and contrary to norms considered appropriate for women, she enrolled at the...
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...social embryotic stage, some of the obstacles children need to surpass, the benefits of the right environment, the changing role of the teacher throughout this process and the optimum guidance for a child (Montessori 1966, 2007a, 2007b). There are three terms which require defining prior to understanding the role of a teacher. The first is the term “teacher” as Montessori’s expectations of a teacher are vastly different from what has and is expected. Secondly there are the deviations which hinder a child’s natural path. And the final term “normalisation” which suggests some sort of psychiatric reprogramming, but in fact is the exact opposite (Montessori, 2007a). A Montessori teacher must be a guardian for the child’s learning and care, a custodian to the favourable environment, an observer of each child’s nuances, a gentle hand that leads and an instructor to those in their care. When Montessori began her schools the teachers had to be untrained and taught how to teach by example, guide based on the individual needs/observations and exude patience and love (Montessori, 1966). The typical perception of a teacher is the director of the class. The teacher controls the content, schedule, volume and often tone of the classroom whilst insisting on a degree of subservience. Montessori teachers contradict many of these roles and follow the lead of the child, recognising opportunities to teach rather than demanding attention. The term “deviations” conjures up an...
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...within them, at the same time encouraging the children to know better of their surrounding will hopefully lead to letting each child to recognise his role in this whole system of universe, and that they also play their part to safeguard their one and only one planet by becoming unity with it. To do so, Dr. Maria Montessori has prepared materials based on the 14 ‘tendencies of man’ that she has observed for many years from children with a vast diversity of cultural environments. These 14 tendencies are: exploration; order; gregariousness; communication; abstraction; curiosity; calculation; work; repetition; concentration; self-control; perfection; creativity; and independence. I believed that, it is these 14 inborn tendencies that help the children to explore and learn about their environment and the world, so that they are able to absorb the essential knowledge and non-stop improving themselves to be more advanced physically and mentally to cope with the real world as they grow, at the same time learning to love and care for their surroundings, no matter if it is a living or non-living thing. This is supported by Dr. Maria Montessori’s belief: “Montessori believed that...
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...Lauren Bridgewaters HIST 310-01 March 25, 2015 Maria Montessori “It is the child who makes the man, and no man exists who was not made by the child he once was.” –Maria Montessori Maria Montessori was born on August 31, 1870 in Chiaravalle, Italy. She was well schooled and an avid reader since her mother came from a family who valued education and her father financial manager for a state-run industry. Education for Italian women was not very common at this time, so it was definitely seen as a gift. Maria was not only an Italian physician but also an educator and innovator. Maria opened the first Montessori school which was called the Casa dei Bambini or Children’s House. The school was built in Rome in 1907. Her educational methods were built on the way children naturally learned. Montessori learning differed from regular learning in the sense that Montessori learning used all five senses. In the beginning of her life, Maria grew up in Rome, which opened the doors to many libraries and museums. Rome also had many fine schools. Maria was a great, ambitious student and she refused, even at an early age, to let the expectations for women stop her. One example of this was Maria attending an all-boys school at age thirteen to become an engineer. After some time, she decided that engineering was not for her and she decided that she wanted to become a doctor. Maria applied at the University of Rome’s medical program only to find out that later, she would be rejected. Being...
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...Language lies at the root of that transformation of the environment that we call ‘civilization’. How is language encouraged in the Montessori prepared environment? Language is something that I can’t explain. It is absurd for me. What I know is I am able to speak to communicate what is on my mind to other people, but the process how did it happen I barely remember it. Before I learn about Montessori, I used to think that language is something that comes naturally. I thought it was something ridiculous if children learn how to write and how to read in early age because I was thought that eventually children could done it easily. Well, I guess I was wrong all this time and sure I am taking for granted that I was underestimate how we can speak, read, and writing. Human needs practice to be fluently in speaking, to be understood in reading, and to be able to writing a simple note. In fact, human being learns language from he or she was an infant. An infant is first exposed to language through sounds generated by the environment and languages spoken by the adults surrounding him. As I observe my 9 months old son, he starts babble when he was 6 months old now he is more talkative event tough he can only say baba papa mama or dada. But I always replying what he says in order to make him feel respected, to teach him Bahasa and I don’t want to lose his sensitive period. Language is goes a long way in establishing a people’s identity, somehow showing people’s artistic, economic...
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...Title of module: Early Care & Education Practice Module Code: 5N1770 Level: 5 Assessment Technique: Assignment 1 Assessment Weighting: 30% Date Brief Issued: 22nd September 2015 Assessment Submission Date: 3rd November 2015 Assignment title: Historical Perspective on the development of the ECCE sector in Ireland Introduction: Aim: My aim is to investigate and present a comprehensive and informative profile of the history of the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECCE) sector today in Ireland. Objectives: My objectives are to: * Present informative overview of the history of the ECCE provision in Ireland and the development of the ECCE sector. * Examine and provide a detailed description of the legal regulations and the rights of the child in the ECCE sector in Ireland today. * Present range of occupations of the ECCE sector in Ireland and their role. * Investigate the qualifications and experience necessary with one chosen occupation in the ECCE sector. * Investigate career opportunities that are available in the childcare sector. Rationale: It is important for me to have a good knowledge and the history of the ECCE provision in Ireland as this is my chosen career. It is very important for me to understand how the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) has progressed over the years and also investigate the different range of occupations in the ECCE sector. As it’s my chosen career it is important for me to have a good...
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...CHILD DEVELOPMENT ESSAY Sensitive Mothering is essential to the social and emotional development of the child. Discuss this statement in the context of relevant development theory. • Explain what is meant by the term Sensitive Mothering. Explain why sensitive mothering is important in building a positive emotional base. • Link this explanation to Bowlby’s attachment theory and Ainsworth’s studies. You will need to show an understanding of the internal working model of attachment and how sensitive mothering impacts the quality of attachment. • Links also need to be made to Erikson’s relevant psychological stages of personality development, emphasizing the importance of a supportive social environment. • Consider research that determines how early attachment impacts social and emotional development of three to five year olds and adults. Bowlby (1969 cited in Nicholls & Kirkland, 1996, p.55) states that an important element in the development of secure attachment is maternal sensitivity. This is necessary in order to engender an infant’s confidence in a mother's accessibility and responsiveness. Ainsworth et al (1978 cited in Barnes, 1995, p.14) opine that maternal sensitivity predicts the extent of attachment between mother and infant. “Mothers who are more sensitive, responsive, accessible and cooperative during their child’s first year are likely to have a child who develops a secure attachment”. Ainsworth et al, (1978 cited in Barnes, 1995...
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...| Your Selected approach: Montessori | Reggio Emilia Approach | Identify how each component is similar or different between the two approaches. | Teacher’s Role in Supporting | 1. Cognitive Development | 1. Here teacher helps children in thinking logically, comparing, contrasting and matching patterns. Teacher takes care of phonological development and language acquisition of child by involving them in singing, reading, talking and playing with the sound of words. 2. Teacher keeps educational materials around the children to invoke their sensory organs and generate curiosity in them. And this curiosity takes them toward their cognitive development. 3. Pupils are kept engaged in puzzles and play. Puzzles develop problem solving skill in children. They also learn sequence and organization. While solving puzzles children come up with questions as how it can be organized further? This way they construct knowledge and lead toward cognitive development. 4. Some senior Montessori teachers are also expected to design their own material to educate and help children in their cognitive development. | 1. Here teacher helps children to recognize concepts, thoughts and theories to generate new meaning. 2. Teacher gives many opportunities to child for exploration and cognitive development such as presentation of concepts in variety of ways like art, music, shadow play. 3. In Reggio Emilia model teacher keeps open ended material around children. Things which can be...
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...knowledge and understanding of these periods determines his/her preparation and custodianship of prepared environment. Maria Montessori describes sensitive periods as transitory periods that “correspond to special sensibilities to be found in creatures in process of development and are confined to the acquisition of a determined characteristic.”(Montessori, Secrete of childhood, p.36). After the acquisition of a certain characteristic this special sensitivity or impulse disappears. One could describe sensitive periods analogous to a window that opens and closes. During a sensitive period, when the window is open, the child is drawn to determined activities and performs them repeatedly with pleasure until it has acquired certain skills and abilities. However if the characteristic has not been formed before the sensitive period ends, i.e. the window closes, which could occur because of disturbances during the process of learning or lack of stimulation in deprived environments, the child’s psychic life will be disturbed. This will be discussed in more detail later on. Montessori observed six main sensitive periods; a period for sensitivity to order; a period for the refinement of the senses; a period of sensitivity to language; sensitivity for walking and movement; sensitivity for small objects; sensitivity to the social aspects of life (Montessori, 1936). Sensitive periods can overlap or be continuous. The duration of a sensitive period varies among individuals and between...
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...Montessori: Evolving Toward a Public Secondary School in the 21st Century Nadia Bryden November 7, 2012 Abstract The educational community has long been familiar with the Montessori method for its international ability to remediate or engage children who are, for any number of reasons, not suited to traditional public schooling. This paper examines the basis of the need for alternative schooling, outlines the development and evolution of the Montessori method and philosophy, and validates the methodology in research, providing a side-by-side comparison for examination of relative strengths and weaknesses of the program. For 21st century school reformists seeking alternative methods of education or an individualized, child-centered curriculum, Montessori presents itself as an adaptive, hands-on, future-friendly option for the democratic community as it evolves toward offering a full preschool to secondary public program. Keywords: Montessori, constructivism, independence, Dewey, progressive, alternative education Montessori: Evolving Toward a Public Secondary School in the 21st Century Since the time of early philosophers such as Socrates, Aristotle and Plato, to whom we can trace the traditional subjects of the common core curriculum, there have been heated political and social debates surrounding the field of education. Rather than being discouraged by their recurrent nature, academic planners and developers must examine these questions anew to refresh our views...
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...“Dr Maria Montessori took this idea that the human has a mathematical mind from a French philosopher Pascal and developed a revolutionary math learning material for children as young as 3 years old. Her mathematical materials allow the children to begin their mathematical journey from a concrete concept to abstract idea”. With reference to the above statement please discuss how these children utilize their mathematical mind as part of their natural progression, to reason, to calculate and estimate with these Montessori mathematical materials in conjunction with their aims and presentations? The child doesn’t learn mathematics only through Montessori, but he learns it from the day he was born or even before that. It is a known fact that an embryo can hear its mother. When a mother says ‘the baby kicked me 4 times’, the baby can understand this in her womb. After the baby is born people often tell him what day he was born or how many siblings he has, etc. The child’s day-to-day life and environment is connected with math. The child is born into a mathematic world where he has to adapt to it. The child needs math to sort and group objects within their environment. When the child enters the Montessori environment, he can already count without knowing the real meaning of the numbers (rote-counting). He counts with understanding of numbers and gradually learns arithmetic’s, geometry and algebra in the Montessori classroom. ‘The Mathematical Mind’ refers to the unique tendencies...
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