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Maria Montessori worked for much of her life to develop a guiding philosophy intended to better teach young children. It makes for a fascinating approach to education, and its implications in the classroom are far-reaching.

Those of you teaching English as a second language may find some of her teachings to be particularly inspiring, and maybe worth trying out in your own classrooms.

It’s important to keep in mind that the lessons are very tactile and environment-based – so if you take your classes online over a webcam then this may not be the style for you.

What is the Maria Montessori Philosophy of Education?

The Maria Montessori Philosophy of Education is a challenge to the traditional teacher-student dynamic.

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2. Philosophies are teacher-centered and some are student -centered, but they all have the same goal, and the goal is to provide students with the best education possible. The following is a list of educational philosophies and their basic ideas. Perennialism is a teacher centered philosophy that focuses on the values associated with reason.
3. Spread the loveStudent-centered philosophies are another essential philosophy that educators should be aware of. By focusing on the needs of students, teachers are able to assist and teach students within the classroom ensuring a higher level of student success. In this article three types of student-centered philosophies will be discussed which are progressivism, social reconstructionism,.

Rather than the teacher as the ‘knowledge holder’ and the child as nothing more than a vessel to fill up with knowledge, it aims to treat children as naturally inquisitive individuals in place of proscribing a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

The traditional approach is rather homogeneous and lacking in individualistic nuance, so the Montessori method aims to bring a little more agency to a child’s learning in hopes of facilitating greater understanding.

There are four different types of educational philosophies: Perennialism, Essentialism, Progressivism, and Social reconstuctionism. There are also five classroom applications that help teachers decide which philosophies are used while they teach. They are educational goals, curriculum, teaching methods, learning environment and assessment.

What are the ideas behind Montessori childcare?

There are two main ideas:

First, children create their own sense of ‘self’ through interaction with their environment. Rather than sitting at a desk and being lectured, children are encouraged to do things. Play with a selection of toys, explore a selection of areas; try out new things and see what works for them on an individual level.

Second, that children have their own innate path towards healthy psychological development. It is only by following this highly personal path to psychological development that they can reach a healthy end point, and not everyone’s path is the same.

However, Maria Montessori and her son, Mario, did identify a series of universal characteristics which they went on to call ‘human tendencies’. They are as follows:

• Abstraction
• Activity
• Communication
• Exactness
• Exploration
• Manipulation of Environment
• Order
• Orientation
• Repetition
• Self-Perfection
• Work or ‘purposeful activity’

The philosophy instructs that education should be built up around these principles in order to best facilitate a healthy psychological development – ideally with the intention of developing independence in all of the listed areas.

As they are ‘universal’ tendencies, it can be reasonably assumed that education systems established with a healthy respect for these characteristics will find it easier to establish a base or foundation, from which they can build their more individualistic ‘ad hoc’ instructions.

What is the Montessori approach to early childhood education?

There is a strict emphasis on learning through interaction with environment, in this philosophy.

It encourages what it terms ‘free activity’ within an established ‘prepared environment’. What this activity may be, and even what kind of an environment is required, is up to the individual teacher – and in part, should be inspired by the individual needs of the student.

8 Educational Philosophies Worksheet

The philosophy does provide some guidance as to what these environments should look like, and recommends that teachers hit a few key notes:

• An arrangement that facilitates movement and activity
• Beauty and harmony, cleanliness of environment
• Construction in proportion to the child and her/his needs
• Limitation of materials, so that only material that supports the child's development is included
• Order
• Nature in the classroom and outside of the classroom

What does a Montessori preschool curriculum/Montessori day care look like?

There are several possibilities for a Montessori preschool structure, but most emphasise the importance of a ‘nido’, or ‘nest’.

This nest is ideal for children that are capable of walking unassisted – ‘students’ often fall between the ages of two and fourteen months old.

They are intended to serve children up until they are three years old, with some leeway depending on the school’s policies.

They prioritise the use of materials, toys, environments and activities suited to a child’s size and psychological development.

There is particular emphasis given to developing confidence in ‘toileting’ at this stage.

Once the child is a little older, between three to six years old, they’re moved into what is called a ‘Children's House’.

This ‘Children’s House’ serves as a more traditional classroom set-up. It has the capacity for twenty to thirty children in mixed age groups, and staffed by fully trained teachers and assistants.

The room is filled with furniture suitable for children. Everything is within their reach – all tables are small, all shelves and bookcases are small; relative to an adult, all furniture will be lower than waist height.

The teacher will provide a series of activities, and each child will be encouraged to develop skills within the activity that they have chosen. The teacher does not push them into a particular activity.

In a Montessori classroom, the teacher's role is to guide. Nothing more.

Activities have a focus on developing physical ability, like scrubbing or sweeping; but they also offer more science-based activities, as well as developing mathematical understanding and language skills.

For instance, children are encouraged to use sandpaper letters rather than a pen and paper when learning how to write. The children trace around these sandpaper letters, saying the name of the letter as they do so. The philosophy argues that this system lays the foundations of understanding, on which future lessons will build.

What about Montessori homeschooling?

Montessori philosophy is easily transferred into the home.

As a consequence of the advocated ‘freedom’ in regards to lessons and activities, a classroom is not required.

Each of the lessons proscribed by a Montessori approach can be replicated within the home, but the child will struggle to develop upon the social aspects of the philosophy while lacking contemporaries. This may prove to be an issue once the student develops into the Elementary stages of schooling.

What would a Montessori Elementary experience look like?

These classes serve students between the ages of six and nine years old, but it’s not uncommon to see classes with an age bracket of six to twelve.

There is still a strong emphasis on independent choice, and following their own interests within the class. At this stage of development, a student can expect to be introduced to topics like history and biology – and be encouraged to further explore whichever one is most appealing to them. These are referred to within the philosophy as ‘Great Lessons’.

They will be introduced at the beginning of the school term, and the student will dive deeper into the subject as the term progresses.

What does a Middle School look like when done in a Montessori style?

The education at this level is less well-developed than in earlier stages.

With more emphasis on earlier childcare, the philosophy is somewhat vague when extended to older students.

Maria Montessori did not develop a program for adolescents in her lifetime, but a number of schools have tried to extend the teachings to teens.

The common consensus between these schools is that the philosophy works best when applied in rural areas, suggesting that it may be better for students to leave busier towns and cities in order to study in the countryside.

What is a Maria Montessori education centre?

A Maria Montessori education centre is simply a school which teaches in accordance with the Montessori philosophy. There are many such facilities all across the world.

These should not be confused with THE Maria Montessori Education Centre, the foremost centre for Montessori teaching. Located in Canada, it’s essentially ‘the main one’ in terms of Montessori schools.

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What does Montessori teacher training entail?

The training can be received in three different formats:

A Diploma course is available for those looking to become proficient in all age groups, and can be taken in one or two-year courses. This is the only option for those looking to become a fully-fledged Montessori-style teacher.

A Certificate course is a shorter, part time evening course which takes place during the spring term. It specialises in producing assistants, but is insufficient training for those looking to lead the classroom as a teacher.

A Lecture series is provided for those who simply wish to learn more about the approach without taking a formal course of study. This is not a qualification and will not constitute ‘teacher training’.

So how can this be applied in my classroom?

Even without taking the time to become a fully qualified Montessori teacher, it might be worth taking to heart her thoughts on free choice and physical interaction.

It’s obviously of greater use to those of you teaching English to younger children, and if you take large classes then you’re going to struggle to apply the theory to each child individually, as the philosophy instructs.

If you’re teaching English to students over the age of eighteen then you’re going to struggle to find any use for this philosophy. As indicated above, the research into Montessori education for older students is almost non-existent. The philosophy is about developing them into a more rounded person – if your student is twenty five years old then they’re probably already pretty developed…

But those of you teaching to students between the ages of six and fifteen, which I suspect is most of you, then you may find something worth taking away from all of this.

Try mixing up your lessons, introducing ‘props’ and physical elements to your lessons. Have them mess around with tangible objects and encourage them to develop those skills for which they show a genuine passion.

Most importantly, consider the ramifications of moving away from the traditional student-teacher dynamic. Rather than being an instructor to impart knowledge into an empty vessel, in the hopes of filling it up, what would happen if you treated them as ‘naturally inquisitive’ beings?

It’s something to think about.

Now you can consider this philosophy as you read 10 of the best teacher quotes:

The Classical Academy is dedicated to developing self‑motivated, life‑long learners through this six fold vision:

To pursue academic excellence with an emphasis on mastery of the “basics” and development of critical skills through clearly articulated standards in all subjects.

1. To pursue academic excellence with an emphasis on mastery of the “basics” and development of critical skills through clearly articulated standards in all subjects.
2. To encourage individualized learning through smaller workshop size, understanding of learning styles, the teaching of specific study strategies, and the understanding of each child’s uniqueness.
3. To maximize the effectiveness and enjoyment of learning through multi‑sensory, interactive methods of instruction inclusive of critical thinking skills, use of effective innovative teaching strategies, and integrated teaching across the curriculum.
4. To provide a content‑rich education that inspires excellence by holding forth examples of classic works of literature, music, and art, which have stood the test of time and been widely recognized as the very best.
5. To give high priority to an enriched curriculum inclusive of computer technology, science technology, art, music, drama, Spanish, and PE.
6. To foster the development of the whole child through strong parental involvement with an emphasis on positive character development and service‑learning in the community at large.

One of our core values is that “rigor and relevance is personalized, acknowledging that all learn differently.” For this reason, personalized learning is part of the educational environment, curriculum design, and is infused within the content delivery.

Personalized Learning is the tailoring of instruction, curriculum, and learning environments to meet the needs and aspirations of individual learners. Teachers, working with parents, create learning plans for students that can include technology, classrooms, labs, electives, and independent study options to complete their assigned academic program.

It is a core belief at The Classical Academies that every parent partnership starts with trust, builds on collaboration, and culminates with accountability. The partnership that we share with parents is the cornerstone of everything we do at The Classical Academies and one that we have come to rely on in helping all students become thinkers, communicators, and achievers.

Experiential learning allows students to develop knowledge, skills, and values from direct experiences outside the traditional academic setting. Experiential learning can stimulate academic inquiry by promoting interdisciplinary learning, civic engagement, career development, cultural awareness, leadership, and other skills. Students can experience the world beyond their neighborhood or community. Students in grades 4-8 have the opportunity to attend overnight field trips, such as Astro Camp, Adventure Camp, Catalina Island, Safari Park, Sacramento, and the East Coast.

Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to participate in internships, tour colleges, and travel abroad. All students are encouraged to volunteer and serve in their communities.

Educational Philosophies Chart

The 8 Keys of Excellence is a character education program that provides a common framework for both teachers and students to use. The 8 Keys inspire students to model excellence in and out of the classroom.

The Classical Academies focus on the 8 Keys of Excellence through specialized lessons, assemblies, workshops, speakers, community service, and field trips. Teachers begin the year by presenting an overview lesson of the 8 Keys of Excellence to their students and reinforcing positive behavior throughout the year.

1. Integrity – Match behavior with values
Demonstrate your positive personal values in all you do and say. Be sincere and real.

2. Failure Leads To Success –Learn from mistakes
View failures as feedback that provides you with the information you need to learn, grow, and succeed.

8 Educational Philosophies Test

3. Speak With Good Purpose – Speak honestly and kindly
Think before you speak. Make sure your intention is positive and your words are sincere.

4. This Is It! – Make the most of every moment
Focus your attention on the present moment. Keep a positive attitude.

– Speak honestly and kindly
Think before you speak. Make sure your intention is positive and your words are sincere.

4. This Is It! – Make the most of every moment
Focus your attention on the present moment. Keep a positive attitude.

5. Commitment – Make your dreams happen
Take positive action. Follow your vision without wavering.

Major Educational Philosophies

6. Ownership – Take responsibility for actions
Be responsible for your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. “Own” the choices you make and the results that follow.

7. Flexibility – Be willing to do things differently
Recognize what’s not working and be willing to change what you’re doing to achieve your goal.

8. Balance – Live your best life
Be mindful of self and others while focusing on what’s meaningful and important in your life. Inner happiness and fulfillment come when your mind, body, and emotions are nurtured by the choices you make.

The 8 Keys of Excellence were developed by Bobbi DePorter and our friends at the Quantum Learning Network – www.QLN.com

Teaching and learning is enhanced using visual and performing arts as integral pathways to learning. Arts integration differs from traditional arts education by its inclusion as both an arts discipline and a traditional subject as part of learning.

The goal of arts integration is to increase the depth and breadth of general subject areas while concurrently fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of visual and performing arts throughout the grades, K-12.

EXAMPLES

Music, rhythm, movement, and dance are often used in our classes to enhance and enrich learning.

Students create works of art utilizing the Elements and Principles of Art that are thematically aligned with historical events or literary greats.

Students create art based on literature, historical events, historical themes, and cultural events.

The Classical Academies values civic responsibility and encourages students to give back to their community through volunteerism and service. By participating in community service projects, students form positive habits such as focusing on others, empathy, service, and the ability to collaborate as part of a team.

For each academic year that a student attends Classical or Coastal Academy High School the student is required to log 37.5 community service hours, resulting in a total of 150 volunteer hours. Through community service, students build relationships with community members, gain valuable experience work experience, develop their character, and help strengthen their community.