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The main principles of Maria Montessori’s pedagogy
It was by observing the children in her school La Maison des Enfants, at the beginning of the 20th century, that Maria Montessori, an Italian doctor, developed a new pedagogy. Here are the main principles of the Montessori method …
In January 1907, Maria Montessori opened the first Montessori school, called “Casa dei Bambini” (Children’s House), in a popular area of Rome. In her practice at the Children’s House, Maria Montessori notices one important thing: when the children are concentrated on the use of the material, they are very calm and each of them works quietly, busy with their own occupation. Surprised by the capacities of concentration and self-discipline of young children, she understands that the traditional exercise of authority is no longer necessary. She also notices that children need order, to choose their activities freely, to be able to repeat them as many times as they wish, because they are looking more for the activity in itself than its purpose. She thus adapts the material according to her observations and develops new activities. She also had furniture built in proportion to the size of the children, which was revolutionary at the time. It is from all these observations in the field that this female doctor creates her famous method based on specific materials and teaching.
What is the Montessori method and education: two main principles
Montessori pedagogy was established from two main principles: the fact that the child goes through sensitive periods in his development, during which his brain is particularly receptive to certain learning. He can therefore learn them very quickly.
The second founding point of the Montessori method is respect for the child’s learning pace, as for example for language. A child will say his first word at 10 months, another at 18 months. In Montessori education, we will let the child do this or that activity according to his rhythm and not his age. This way of teaching aims to promote the autonomy of the child and to give him self-confidence.
Montessori nursery and primary schools in France, how to choose and register?
Do you like the concept of Montessori schools and would you like to enroll your child in such a school? You will have to prospect because the Montessori schools are few. We count around 200 on French territory. You can go to the Association Montessori de France website. It has a directory listing more than a hundred Montessori schools in France. Once the schools have been located, do not hesitate to contact them quickly because the registration procedures vary from one establishment to another. Most schools also organize open days, Do not hesitate to go there !
How much does a Montessori school cost?
Joining a Montessori school is not free, to say the least! While the costs vary depending on the school, they are still expensive. On average, you will have to count a price of 500 euros per month if you want to bring your child into a Montessori school.