What do you already know about Montessori?
Do you know much about Montessori? A lot of people have come across the word, and some of the principles, but there are far less of us who offer the full AMI Montessori package.
I’d like to dispel a few myths about Montessori, based on some comments made by friends and families I’ve worked with, and explain more about what I do, and why I do it.
What is ‘authentic’ Montessori?
A truly authentic Montessori environment encompasses the fundamental principles of the discipline, including respect, exploration and freedom. An AMI Montessori teacher has been thoroughly trained to guide children towards productive and challenging experiences.
https://montessori-ami.org//
What’s the difference between AMI Montessori and other branches of Montessori?
When Dr Maria Montessori first began training teachers, many people took bits and pieces of the practice, and started to use them in a variety of ways. AMI Montessori goes back to the founding principles, and combines every single aspect of the practice to ensure that children get the most out of their experiences.
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) was founded in 1929 to maintain the integrity of her life’s work and to ensure that it would be perpetuated after her death (Maria Montessori Timeline).
I’ve heard that Montessori is just letting children do whatever they want…
That’s certainly not the way I do it! Because I have been trained in the AMI Montessori method, I am able to properly guide children towards beneficial activities.
It is true that Montessori is about giving children a choice, treating them as individuals, and encouraging them to explore and make their own mistakes and observations. But, and this is important, it is not about letting them run riot. In fact respect for others, grace and compassion are all key parts of what we do.
Dr. Montessori learned, as I learned, and as every teacher must learn, that only through freedom can individuals develop self control, self dependence, will power and initiative. There is no education except self-education. There is no effective discipline except self-discipline. All that parents and teachers can do for the child is to surround him with right conditions. He will do the rest; and the things he will do for himself are the only things that really count in his education. (Helen Keller’s teacher, Anne Sullivan Macy)
Why should I look into Montessori experiences for my child?
Montessori promotes hands on, collaborative learning that gives children a real sense of joy in learning – something that will go a long way for their future and enables them to develop the capacity to become happy and fulfilled adults. Our goal for education is to create a peaceful world with respect, love and acceptance of everyone.
Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war. (Maria Montessori)
Who attributes their success to attending a Montessori school?
Nobel Laureate author Gabriel Garcia Marquez: I do not believe there is a method better than Montessori for making children sensitive to the beauties of the world and awakening their curiosity regarding the secrets of life.
Julia Child: credited the Montessori method with developing within her an innate curiosity to learn everything she could about what she loved to do.
Anne Frank: enrolled as a student at a Montessori school in Amsterdam, shortly after her family arrived from Germany.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ mother reported: young Jeff would get so engrossed in his activities as a Montessori preschooler that his teachers would literally have to pick him up out of his chair to go to the next task.
Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page: credited their successful collaboration to their similar experiences and educational development at Montessori schools.
Princes William and Harry: attended a Montessori program at their prep school in London. Prince George also attended Westacre AMI Montessori school in Norfolk.
Take a scroll through this interactive timeline showing the life and legacy of Dr Maria Montessori.
The History of Montessori Education by Giraffe Childcare
Can you explain more?
Montessori is a holistic method of raising and educating children that works because we consider the whole child – psychologically, intellectually and physically. We support you in preparing to consistently meet your child’s developmental needs as they grow and change.
What’s different about our sessions? If you’re looking for a calm, friendly and relaxed alternative to standard classes you’ve found it here. I began running our award-winning toddler groups in 2010 and expanded to include parenting classes, workshops, Montessori parenting courses, home tutoring, 121 parenting support and family mentoring.
My mission is to bring simple, effective, and gentle parenting strategies to as many families as possible. Accessible support so you can understand your child’s needs and work together towards fulfilling their infinite potential.
Gentle environments for adults and children to learn, develop and socialise. All our sessions incorporate many important Montessori principles: self-directed learning; individual exploration; purposeful activities; freedom of choice; a calm and respectful environment.
In our courses, classes and workshops you’ll learn simple, effective strategies. Our parenting workshops give you the opportunity to learn and apply Montessori at home at your own pace, including:
- Positive Discipline
- Handling Transitions
- Enriching Language
- Practical Life Skills
Aid to Life Parenting Classes guide you through simple techniques to help your child develop all these skills – before they turn 4 years old!
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Coordinated and Careful Movements
- Independence and Confidence
- Self-Discipline and Perseverance
Find out about Montessori parenting courses, classes and workshops that are available in your area by clicking here
