Cognitive Learning Through Movement
Basic human instincts call for movement in order to learn and adapt. In our classrooms, the environments are spacious and allow the children to move around freely and responsibly as they explore their environment.
“Mental development must be connected with movement and be dependent on it. It is vital that educational theory and practice should be informed by that idea.”
– Maria Montessori
Choices = Better Learning
Giving children a sense of control in their learning environment allows for optimal learning and reaching their full potential. The teachers are a guide between the children and the environment. Similar to adults, children also learn best when they choose to learn what they are interested in.
“Free choice is one of the highest of all mental processes.”
– Maria Montessori
Repetition = Increased Confidence and Mastery
The Montessori method allows for repetition, this refers to any form of work that provides the child with opportunities to practice a skill or knowledge area.
Repetition manifests in different ways, this may come as reading the same story multiple times, re-learning and exercising the same Montessori extensions or activity that repeats the same skills. Allowing the child to repeat the same subject, or passively observing a lesson or activity completed by another child in another way of the magic of the Montessori method which helps the child increase their confidence and allows them the opportunity to master a certain task.
Repetition may also come from routine or the environment. Knowing what to expect, and having things happen in an ordered way, helps children to know what to expect and feel at ease, making them confident.
When the environment is predictable, a child feels safe and secure, which establishes the optimal environment for learning.
Why is Repetition Important?
- Repetition helps to strengthen the brain’s neural processors for learning
- Repetition teaches children to practice, master and retain knowledge
- Repetition provides the opportunity for practice and reinforcement
- Repetition is needed for skill mastery and success
- Children learn through repetition and memorization
- Children learn self-discipline and critical reflection through repetition
- Through repetition of movement, coordination is improved
- Through repetition, children learn to differentiate variations and differences in the world around them
- Through repetition, children develop the confidence to progress
- Repetition teaches children to internalize concepts
- Higher order repetition such as synthesis, analysis and application develop the child’s intelligence
“Repetition is the secret of perfection”
– Maria Montessori
Peer Learning Environment
By mixing two age groups in one class, our unique approach allows the younger children to learn from the older children, and the older children to
act as leaders. It also allows the younger children to have good role models, and allows both age groups to learn from each other. This creates a sense of fellowship, and community in the classroom.
“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”
– Maria Montessori
Cognitive Learning Through Movement.
Hands-on learning materials range from abstract to concrete. The children are able to use their five senses to see, touch, taste, smell, and hear with the materials provided in the classroom.
““First the education of the senses, then the education of the intellect.”
– Maria Montessori
Interaction with the Directress (Teacher)
The teachers (or directress’) are a guide in the classrooms. They prepare the environment to ensure optimal learning. By recognizing a child’s interest, a teacher can encourage deep thought or concentration by communicating or asking open ended questions.
“The teacher’s task is not to talk, but to prepare and arrange a series of motives for cultural activity in a special environment made for the child.”
– Maria Montessori
Respect for Order: Mind and Environment
The children will gain a love of learning through a sequence of order. In the classroom, every tool/material has place. By having such order in the classroom, the children learn to have order in the way that tasks are carried
out. The Montessori classroom is a prepared environment which helps the child gain self-mastery within his/her environment.
“Order is one of the needs of life which, when it is satisfied, produces real happiness.”
– Maria Montessori