So, what is Montessori?

  I have been an Early Childhood Teacher for 10 years. And I have loved every minute of it! I have been trained to teach in what is known as a "traditional" classroom, keeping track of development and progress, creating activities that are developmentally appropriate, all while ensuring that learning standards are addressed. I have done this for ten years. It is basically all that I have come to know.
   So, as I prepare myself for my role as a Spanish Teacher in a Montessori Preschool, I know that I need to educate myself a little on just what Montessori is all about. I recall learning about Maria Montessori and her methods on working with young children. I remembering feeling that it was an ideal model in which to teach and work with young children; but it was just not one that was aligned with the teaching methodology that I learned in my undergrad (and later grad) courses.
   ANYHOW, now it is my turn to go from teacher to learner. And for those of you who may have not heard of Maria Montessori, or are unsure of exactly what it all entails--- you can learn with me!
   I have been reading a few books and checking out all kinds of Montessori blogs to get a better idea of just what Montessori is and what it looks like.
   "Montessori is a method of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, that is focused on self-directed activity, hands on learning and colloborative play. Children make their own choices based on what activities that the teachers have set out for them."
   Dr. Maria Montessori believed, as many Early Childhood Educators believe, that education of the child begins at birth. The first few years of a child's life are the most formative years, physically and mentally. She believed that the goal of Early Childhood should be to activate the child's desire to learn and help them to find and free their potential, for "within the child, lies the fate of the future."

   (So as not to bore anyone, I will only write about a few things right now.)
There are two key components in Montessori Education:
1) The Environment. This refers to the materials and activities that are readily accessible to the children. Activites in the environment are meant to enable self pride in the child. This means that each activity is one that they can do alone and/or present a challenge to foster growth. There are plenty of different activities set out for the child to explore. Materials that are available are categorized into Daily Living (Pouring, Dressing, Cutting), Sensorial (Addressing the five senses through Mystery Bags, Scent Bottles, Sounds), Academic (Alphabet & Numbers) and Cultural & Artistic (Items around the classroom are objects of interest such as cultural art and/or cultural toys/puzzles/books).
2) The Teacher. The teacher is responsible for preparing the environment to foster independence, freedom within limits and a sense of order in the classroom. The teacher serves more as a guide, as she observes each child to see what interests them and lays out activities that will foster that interest and skill level. When a child finds something that interests them, they tend to gain focus and start to concentrate. That is the moment that the child is truly learning and should not be interrupted.

   So much of what I have read thus far and have re-learned is what I feel is the true essence of Early Childhood Education, not what it has become today, full of assessments and learning standards. Don't get me wrong, I know children need to develop certain skills and such, but to put a time line on it only frustrates teacher and child alike. And as I continue on my journey in a Montessori school, I am eager to see the ins and outs of a Montessori classroom and how it fosters a child's development and I am eager to see this approach to Early Childhood Education.

Letter Mm and other fun play -- in a Montessori-Inspired Way!

   So after spending time learning about the world of Montessori and learning more about her philosophy and methods, I have decided to incorporate a little bit of Montessori in my learning area for my little munchkin. I have been enjoying searching homeschool blogs and seeing how moms implement Montessori with their little ones everyday.
    I am still learning about different aspects of a Montessori curriculum, but after reading a few things here and there, I wanted to get started right away!
    Here is what I learned (or rather re-learned, because I did briefly study Montessori topics way back in my undergrad work) about the importance of the learning environment.

    So the first thing that I did was look to the environment where I was doing most of my learning activities. First thing I noticed when I really stopped to look: Clutter. Too many toys; some slightly organized in small baskets and bins (as they are in a typical classroom) and some just scattered. I usually like to try and keep the area organized, but some days, it just gets overlooked. In a Montessori classroom, things are simple and clutter free. So I put away some toys and cleared a few shelves, which fortunately are a child friendly size! I found (and bought) a few trays from the Dollar Tree and Walmart and began our new Montessori-Inspired set up.
       Because of my 9 years of teaching experience, embracing Montessori 100% seems too overwhelming of a task. Not to mention, too much of a change all at once for the munchkin. So I will try to find a nice balance of Montessori activities and activities that I know and love to use!
       Anyhow, this week we went right back to work, and our Letter of the Week is Mm.
       Here is how our learning area is now set up.

                   

     I chose to start off with 8-9 activity trays for her to begin with. I plan to switch up maybe 2-3 activitiy materials mid-week, depending on her interests. I plan to only change the materials, not the concept. For example, once she completes the art activity (cotton ball painting), then I can add another type painting activity.

     Here is what is on our shelves this week:

     On the top of the shelf, I have 3 trays:  Letter Mm Tray (using my awesome Alphabet Soup Cans that I was so excited to finally purchase- and some items that begin with the Mm sound), another Letter Mm tray with coloring and letter search activities and an Art Tray where she could use stencils, paint, clothespins and cotton balls to paint.

      On the lower shelf, I put out a Puzzle Tray (20 wooden pieces), a Lego Tray and a Writing Tray (which you can't see from this pic)

             

             Letter Mm Trays

             

            Letter Mm Tray and Art Tray

             

          Writing Tray

(with my DIY Sandpaper Letters)

             

     On another lower shelf (an old tv stand) I put out a  Play Doh Tray, a tray for Water Pouring, a tray to Measure & Pour Rice and a Math tray with M&M patterns and graphing activities that I have from the Letter of the Week Curriculum by Confesssions of a Homeschooler.

              

     The first things we did was read our Letter Mm books and she selected one of the Letter Mm Trays. (The Alphabet Soup Cans just arrived this weekend and she was eager to get her hands on them!)

     After reviewing the sound of Mm and talking about the pictures, she wanted to draw each one.                                                                        

                   

     The other popular activity was Water Pouring. (I found some super cute, measuring pitchers at Walmart). I placed 2 cups, a funnel and a towel on the tray as well. I demonstrated how to use the materials and how to clean it all up when it was done. In this manner, she will learn to use the materials correctly for her exploration and respect them as learning materials. And she does need work in the respect area because she tends to make a mess and walk away!!

     Anyhow, this Water Pouring Fun occupied 55 minutes of her time!! I kept track because as she worked, I sat back and played the observer. I was so happy when I caught glimpes of her little smirks as she worked hard and focused. Pouring can be hard work!!

                                   

     And the pouring fun continued with the Rice. She learned how to measure and pour rice!

               

               

     And with her newfound pride and confidence, she begged to make her own lunch! Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich with Strawberries (that she cut herself) and a glass of milk, that she poured herself, of course!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

It was a fun, Montessori-Inspired day!