25 Characteristics of Montessori

I love how this list frees one to look beyond Montessori materials. It's so easy to get caught up with stuff. Yet when I try to describe what I do with my children, outwardly it doesn't look any different from a traditional preschool or even grade school. This list, however, penetrates to the heart of the environment, teacher and child. The whole website is full of insight.

25 CHARACTERISTICS OF MONTESSORI

1. respect for the child
2. respect for one another
3. cultural diversity
4. universal adaptability
5. cosmic education
6. individuality
7. independence
8. freedom of choice
9. hands-on learning
10. love of work
11. care of oneself
12. spontaneous concentration
13. self-discipline
14. lessons of grace and courtesy
15. intrinsic motivation
16. initiative
17. prepared environment
18. didactic materials
19. integrated curriculum
20. sense of order
21. heterogeneous grouping
22. refinement of the senses
23. movement
24. auto education
25. teacher as facilitator

* prepared by the Montessori Society of Central Mary

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More quotes I love from this site. "Freedom within limits" reminds of how our Heavenly Father takes care of us. We have the freedom to choose among so many good things. People often ask whether Montessori is religious. And she is! She's Catholic and her faith permeates the method. Did you know that Montessori had picture of our Blessed Mother hung in every classroom? I think her faith permeates throughout her method. It is orderly, loving and vocational.

The child is given what is termed as “freedom within limits.” What are the limits?

... He may freely choose to work only from materials he has been shown how to use.

... He must use the materials properly and return them properly.

... He may not infringe upon the rights of others.

Within this framework the child develops freely in individuality and self-confidence. The child is given the opportunity to become independent and care for himself in a responsible way. He thrives and becomes an inner directed member of his school and family. All of this will happen to the extent the child is exposed to these ideas. The more cooperation between the family and directors, the more benefit the child will receive from his Montessori experience.