Freedom
to learnWhat is unique about a Montessori school?
Joyful, natural learning cycles
A Montessori education is a joyful experience because it allows the child to respond to natural learning cycles within him- or herself. Learning occurs in peaks of intense concentration, followed by periods of rest when the child selects less challenging work. During those times, the brain is processing the newly acquired information. Most traditional schools do not allow that learning cycle to occur. A Montessori environment contains three essential elements to foster learning in the child: a prepared environment, a prepared adult, and freedom with responsibility.
The prepared environment
The child-sized environment allows the child to experience the excitement of learning by his or her own choice rather than by being led. It encourages the child to perfect his or her innate skills for learning, maximizing the child's abilities for future learning situations. The environment is always a space of simplicity, beauty and order. The primary environment contains materials especially designed to meet the child's developmental needs in four major areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language and Mathematics.
The prepared adult
The prepared adult, called a `Guide,' provides a link between the child and the environment. A Montessori guide does not teach in the usual sense. S/he first observes the children to discover their individual needs and interest, based on their personalities and stages of self-formation. The Guide then presents activities designed to meet each child's developmental needs. Learning occurs in the child's subsequent independent use of the materials and repetition of the activities. It is this freedom that allows the child's self-formation.
Freedom
Students in a Montessori school are free to move about, working alone or with others. Freedom does not mean doing whatever the child wants. To be free means to be in control of one's self and to make responsible choices. Children may choose an activity and repeat it for as long as they wish, but they may not disturb any child engaged in work. They are not free to waste their days in aimless activity. The children develop patience, learn to respect others, and resolve conflicts. Children need the ability to choose to be responsible before they can be truly free.
