The History of Montessori Education
The Montessori method of education is a form of learning that was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s. During her time, Dr. Maria Montessori was an educator, physician, and idealist who was greatly interested in the educational problems of intellectually disabled children. In 1907, she opened the first “Casa dei Bambini” (“Children’s House”), a preschool for children aged three to six, where she applied her Montessori methods to children of normal intelligence. The success of the first “Casa dei Bambini” led her to travel throughout Europe, India, and the United States, and open more Montessori schools across the globe.
What Is the Montessori Learning Method?
The Montessori method of education is built on three foundational philosophies – it is child-directed, taught in a prepared environment, and holistic. As a child-directed learning structure, this method believes that children have the autonomy and independence to behave and respond independently according to their mind, body, and spirit. In their learning, children should be in a prepared environment filled with natural materials with the control of error. Throughout their learning, teachers and educators are there to help the children holistically practice their imagination, creativity, and collaboration.
The Montessori curriculum focuses on six major links – Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, Culture, Art/Music, Movement, and Whole Child.
Practical Life links activities that children are familiar with at home into the school environment. Through Practical Life, children learn that their involvement is invaluable, which helps boost their self-esteem.
Sensorial links children’s learning to auto-education, self-control, and self-evaluation. This aspect encourages children to learn through value exploration, creativity, and their senses.
Language links children’s learning to self-expression, communication, and social interactions. Through Language, children learn to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
Mathematics links numbers, shapes, and patterns to the real world. By way of Mathematics, children learn to develop hand and mind connection, concentration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Culture, which was formerly known as Socials, links children’s natural curiosity to multiculturalism and the world around them. Through this ideology, children learn the value of interconnectedness, inclusion, compassion, and humanity.
Art, Music, and Movement links the importance of process and discovery learning to children’s development. Through this doctrine, children learn to appreciate aesthetic beauty, creativity, and originality.
Last but not least, Whole Child considers how all six aspects interrelate together. Whole Child links mind, body, and spirit to children’s learning, health, and well-being. Through this, children learn value awareness, mindfulness, respect, and responsibility.
Montessori Education Training Programs
If you are interested in pursuing a career in Montessori education, Sprott Shaw College offers Montessori programs that enable you to develop a broad range of skills through the study and practice of certified courses. Through these programs, you can develop and lead daily activities for children aimed to help promote social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and early literacy development.
At Sprott Shaw, we have two Montessori programs – Early Childhood Education – Montessori and Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Education – both of which are accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). The MACTE is the industry-recognized standard-setting and accrediting body for Montessori teaching education.
As a graduate of Sprott Shaw’s Montessori program, you are assured the broadest possible opportunities of acceptance for your Montessori teaching credentials globally. Completing our Montessori program means that your future employers will recognize the invaluable and relevant training and education you have in your Montessori specialization.
To learn more about Montessori education or Sprott Shaw’s Montessori programs, contact one of our advisors below!
