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Why choose a Montessori?
The Benefits Of A Montessori Education:
A common misconception is that Montessori
techniques are very ‘disciplinarian’ and ‘force’ a child to
learn – this is in fact the total opposite of the teaching
methods developed by Dr Maria Montessori !
Dr Montessori developed her original teaching concepts back in
the early 1920’s whilst working with children in Rome. Her
methods have stood the test of time whilst other teaching
methods were relatively short-lived.
Essentially her teaching methods are based around approaching an
"educational" task in a manner that appeals to the child so that
the child is not conscious of the fact that they are "learning".
Each task is performed in an ordered sequence. These sequences
develop concentration skills and at the same time encourage
independence. This is achieved through the use of the special
Montessori equipment whereby each exercise becomes "self
correcting" to the child.
The approach used in these exercises rapidly becomes second
nature to the child and ultimately leads to "top to bottom" and
"left to right" becoming the unconscious norm for a child –
skills which form the basis of reading, writing and arithmetic.
A pupil is encouraged to "choose" an activity from a wide range
of Montessori equipment and then carry out the "exercise" under
the supervision of a Montessori teacher. The teacher’s role is
ensuring that the equipment is presented and used in the correct
manner, so that the planned and desirable outcome is achieved.
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