Thinking Of Trying Montessori Style

[Willow]

I know people who have this set up and LOOOVE it.

If they are set up like that then they aren't a Montessori.

What she describes isn't Montessori anything. At all.



And the methods are not utilized because there is necessarily any sort of need for improvement or identified problem with what they're currently doing. Sometimes a provider wonders if just because things seem great if there might not be even more room for further enrichment. Or sometimes they have the opportunity to see the difference between kids doing perfectly fine in a given environment and those *thriving* in a Montessori. It's hard to see room for improvement unless you are incredibly humble to the idea there might be room for some, are very imaginative (is the sky really the limit?) or have a chance to literally see the differences side by side.


I thought the way my parents raised me was fine. I turned out quite well. Then I had the chance to nanny children not just being schooled in a Montessori but literally living the life.......the difference between them and every other child I had ever babysat, nannied for and taught (elementary ed.) was SHOCKING.

I had never even considered there might be any room for improvement before the differences were right there in front of me plain as day.

Believe me, they are obvious.

[rhymia1]

If they are set up like that then they aren't a Montessori.

What she describes isn't Montessori anything. At all.



And the methods are not utilized because there is necessarily any sort of need for improvement or identified problem with what they're currently doing. Sometimes a provider wonders if just because things seem great if there might not be even more room for further enrichment. Or sometimes they have the opportunity to see the difference between kids doing perfectly fine in a given environment and those *thriving* in a Montessori. It's hard to see room for improvement unless you are incredibly humble to the idea there might be room for some, are very imaginative (is the sky really the limit?) or have a chance to literally see the differences side by side.


I thought the way my parents raised me was fine. I turned out quite well. Then I had the chance to nanny children not just being schooled in a Montessori but literally living the life.......the difference between them and every other child I had ever babysat, nannied for and taught (elementary ed.) was SHOCKING.

I had never even considered there might be any room for improvement before the differences were right there in front of me plain as day.

Believe me, they are obvious.

Just a thought, perhaps instead of name calling and judegments about others, you can use the time to educate about what is so wonderful about Montessori. Perhaps you might find other more receptive. Getting more with honey and all...

[Blackcat31]

There are 6 basic concepts to the Montessori method:

1). Natural, inner guidance: All children have unique, innate directives that come from within to guide them in the natural course of their development

2). Self-directed learning: Children are competent, capable beings and can direct their own learning, choosing their activities and duration of engagement with them. This creates the most natural way for the children to learn and express their unique potentials, talents, skills, and interests. It also encourages the child to maintain their natural joy of learning.

3). Prepared environment: The conditions for children to be able to follow their inner guidance and self-direct their learning must be created to support this process. This means providing an environment with a variety of objects that are accessible and easily available for free and independent use.

4). Observation and indirect teaching: The teacher does not lead lectures or read from books, and rarely leads large-group activities. Rather, the teacher observes the children in order to continually modify the environment to suit the childrens' needs. The teacher also provides one-on-one instruction when a child has reached a point where they are ready for a new lesson or the introduction of a new concept.

5). Learning through all the senses: The activities and things available in the classroom for childrens' self-directed learning are designed to allow for learning through all of the senses, rather than just listening or reading. This helps to create a process of discovery, which fosters the development of concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and ultimately a love of learning.

6). Grouped learning: rather than being divided up by each year, the children are put into mixed groups by age and ability, usually in three or six year age spans. This allows for socialization and normalization, and both older and younger children teach and learn from one another.


The implementation of these concepts are spread out over 6 areas of the classroom:

• Practical Life
• Sensorial
• Language
• Math
• Geopgraphy
• Science

The basic idea behind the Montessori method of teaching is:

Children are capable of self-directed learning.

The teacher is an observer of the child, rather than a lecturer to the child.

In each child there resides a 'sensitive period' in which they are particularly open to learning a specific skill or type of knowledge. At these times, learning is effortless and joyful.

Children learn by doing. By using Montessori specific materials the child is able to learn and correct their own mistakes without input from the teacher.

So in a sense those of you who do not necessarily have a strictly structured day and allow for the children to play freely for a large portion of the day and learn from that play are already using a very primative style of Montessori teaching.

I don't run a 100% Montessori environment but I absolutely have a Montessori "inspired" environment and one that is a work in progress towards becoming 100%.

[mom2many]

Thanks for all of the info on this thread! Love all of the ideas on pinterest! There is such a wealth of great ideas!

Also, I have never understood what Montessori teaching was all about and learned something new!

[Willow]

Just a thought, perhaps instead of name calling and judegments about others, you can use the time to educate about what is so wonderful about Montessori. Perhaps you might find other more receptive. Getting more with honey and all...

Hmmmm.....I don't see where I was name calling or being judgmental at all.....

And I didn't think you were interested in learning any more about it because you already said it wasn't for you and as you so put it:

"I could research, but really, if it ain't broke...."




I'll admit I felt more than a little defensive because some pretty offensive and incorrect statements were being made about what I aspire my daycare to be, but other than that it was just sharing my personal experience in concluding that Montessori is what is best for the kids I care for.


If someone wrongly pegged that your methods and theories bar the children in your care from ever going outside or engaging in creative play or crafts when so much of what you do is EXACTLY that would you not have a similar "WOAH now.....hold the flipping phone!!!!" reaction?





Blackcat gave a bunch of excellent resources above your comments. Kudos to her for that for those who are actually interested in learning more

(I totally bookmarked the My Montessori Journey blog one BC, I hadn't seen that one before....and I am so making her feather button turkey tonight!)

[DaisyMamma]

Just a thought, perhaps instead of name calling and judegments about others, you can use the time to educate about what is so wonderful about Montessori. Perhaps you might find other more receptive. Getting more with honey and all...

I agree. I was a bit offended by the response to my post as well. Being called slanderous and all. When I clearly stated I didn't know anything else on the subject and was looking forward to reading the responses.

[rhymia1]

Hmmmm.....I don't see where I was name calling or being judgmental at all.....

And I didn't think you were interested in learning any more about it because you already said it wasn't for you and as you so put it:

"I could research, but really, if it ain't broke...."




I'll admit I felt more than a little defensive because some pretty offensive and incorrect statements were being made about what I aspire my daycare to be, but other than that it was just sharing my personal experience in concluding that Montessori is what is best for the kids I care for.


If someone wrongly pegged that your methods and theories bar the children in your care from ever going outside or engaging in creative play or crafts when so much of what you do is EXACTLY that would you not have a similar "WOAH now.....hold the flipping phone!!!!" reaction?





Blackcat gave a bunch of excellent resources above your comments. Kudos to her for that for those who are actually interested in learning more

(I totally bookmarked the My Montessori Journey blog one BC, I hadn't seen that one before....and I am so making her feather button turkey tonight!)

Insinuating that someone who does not feel the need for Montessori "lacks imgination" is akin to name calling. All the hmms, and umms, will not take away that. All I said was that the little I read it wasn't for me/my group. So educate me...Blackcat did post some links, I'll certainly take a look. But no where did I give any reason WHY I didn't feel it was for me, so I was not "pegging" anything.
Not every method works for every situation, and if it works for you/your group that's wonderful.

[Willow]

Insinuating that someone who does not feel the need for Montessori "lacks imgination" is akin to name calling.

Good thing I NEVER said or insinuated that then!


What I did say:

"It's hard to see room for improvement unless you are incredibly humble to the idea there might be room for some, are very imaginative (is the sky really the limit?) or have a chance to literally see the differences side by side."


is in reference to all areas of life...not just daycare in general or someone considering Montessori specifically.

The one that comes to my mind first and foremost is pet nutrition to me funny enough.


I thought my dogs were doing awesome on grocery store brands (Purina, Iams, Pedigree, Science Diet). If anyone would have asked me then there was zero room for improvement. I had no reason to research alternatives because I thought what I was doing was the ideal. It wasn't until I was confronted with information that challenged me to compare that I even considered there might be room for improvement, and even then I was pretty oppositional to it. I loved my dogs. Of course I was offering them the best!

Turns out I was not perfect after all and there was room for improvement. Much more so than I ever anticipated. Even now that I've completely revamped how I feed my pets I still keep an open mind to what might be out there that could be even better - even though - it is hard for me to fathom even better beyond this.



Same goes for what I eat, how I take care of my lawn, my hair products, and of course the way I care for kids.


What I wrote there had nothing to do with anyone else. There was no ulterior motive, message or sideways implications.The "you" was general and no one else entered my mind except for myself and how I as an individual challenge myself to think and be in life. It's how I attempt to be the best I can be. Without humility, an open mind/creative imagination and a willingness to see improvement where you (one?) originally thought there was one there's no way any improvements can ever be made - even if there are plenty of areas that can be bumped up a notch.

[rhymia1]

Good thing I NEVER said or insinuated that then!


What I did say:

"It's hard to see room for improvement unless you are incredibly humble to the idea there might be room for some, are very imaginative (is the sky really the limit?) or have a chance to literally see the differences side by side."


is in reference to all areas of life...not just daycare in general or someone considering Montessori specifically.

The one that comes to my mind first and foremost is pet nutrition to me funny enough.


I thought my dogs were doing awesome on grocery store brands (Purina, Iams, Pedigree, Science Diet). If anyone would have asked me then there was zero room for improvement. I had no reason to research alternatives because I thought what I was doing was the ideal. It wasn't until I was confronted with information that challenged me to compare that I even considered there might be room for improvement, and even then I was pretty oppositional to it. I loved my dogs. Of course I was offering them the best!

Turns out I was not perfect after all and there was room for improvement. Much more so than I ever anticipated. Even now that I've completely revamped how I feed my pets I still keep an open mind to what might be out there that could be even better - even though - it is hard for me to fathom even better beyond this.



Same goes for what I eat, how I take care of my lawn, my hair products, and of course the way I care for kids.


What I wrote there had nothing to do with anyone else. There was no ulterior motive, message or sideways implications.The "you" was general and no one else entered my mind except for myself and how I as an individual challenge myself to think and be in life. It's how I attempt to be the best I can be. Without humility, an open mind/creative imagination and a willingness to see improvement where you (one?) originally thought there was one there's no way any improvements can ever be made - even if there are plenty of areas that can be bumped up a notch.

I agree that looking into things is a great way to improve your life, work, etc. But I also admitted that (admittedly) the little I've read about it doesn't scream WONDERFUL to me. And that's okay.

[daycare]

BC, you had mentioned that you know where to take classes or to get certified....any news on this??

thanks so much

[Willow]

I agree that looking into things is a great way to improve your life, work, etc. But I also admitted that (admittedly) the little I've read about it doesn't scream WONDERFUL to me. And that's okay.

Oh don't get me wrong, it's fine if you read about what it actually is and decided it wasn't for you. What's not fair however is when someone declares something something it's not based on limited and/or inaccurate information.



No different than someone saying they've decided they'd never do licensed daycare or put their child in one because they read once somewhere that daycare kids are all violent heathens and all the providers do is sit on their butts watching soaps and eating bon-bons all day....and then saying they're not at all interested in learning anything about it beyond that because their mind is already made up.

That would be offensive to everything a real provider actually is and the very sweet way most daycare kids are, right?



This conversation no different.

[Blackcat31]

BC, you had mentioned that you know where to take classes or to get certified....any news on this??

thanks so much

Oopsie, forgot to post the link

Here ya go....there are many places to become certified but most require seat time and are very time consuming, especially for those of us who wish to maintain a financial income while furthering our educations.... On-line IS the best option for that.

http://www.montessoritraining.net/about_us/overview.htm

HTH

[DaisyMamma]

I agree that looking into things is a great way to improve your life, work, etc. But I also admitted that (admittedly) the little I've read about it doesn't scream WONDERFUL to me. And that's okay.

It is ok.

[rhymia1]

Oh don't get me wrong, it's fine if you read about what it actually is and decided it wasn't for you. What's not fair however is when someone declares something something it's not based on limited and/or inaccurate information.



No different than someone saying they've decided they'd never do licensed daycare or put their child in one because they read once somewhere that daycare kids are all violent heathens and all the providers do is sit on their butts watching soaps and eating bon-bons all day....and then saying they're not at all interested in learning anything about it beyond that because their mind is already made up.

That would be offensive to everything a real provider actually is and the very sweet way most daycare kids are, right?



This conversation no different.

Well, thanks for your permission. I had NO idea that there is only one right way! Your way. And clearly if I were more educated, had done more research I would have known it all along.
Hey everyone! From now on, let's just not bother with asking for kind, balanced advice - we'll just ask Willow!
We bow to thee, Oh Queen of all things Day Care!!

Now with that, I must bow out. I've got work to do.

[daycare]

Oopsie, forgot to post the link

Here ya go....there are many places to become certified but most require seat time and are very time consuming, especially for those of us who wish to maintain a financial income while furthering our educations.... On-line IS the best option for that.

http://www.montessoritraining.net/about_us/overview.htm

HTH

wow, I did not think that it would be so costly. This is just to get certified correct? Then I will need to also purchase all of the equipment too correct?