What is the Montessori approach?
Montessori education is a child-centered approach to education. Maria Montessori developed it in the early 20th century and based it on the idea that children are naturally curious and capable of learning. It focuses on providing a rich, stimulating environment that is tailored to the individual needs and interests of each child.
Children are free to explore and learn at their own pace in a Montessori classroom. Kids are given a wide range of materials to play and learn with. The materials are hands-on and engaging. The goal of the Montessori approach is to support the development of the whole child, including their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
This education is based on a number of key principles, including the following:
- Children are naturally curious and capable of learning.
- Children learn best through hands-on, experiential learning.
- Children have a natural desire to learn and to be independent.
- Children have unique strengths and interests, and their education should be tailored to their individual needs.
- The environment plays a critical role in supporting children’s learning and development.
Overall, Montessori learning is a child-centered approach that focuses on supporting the whole child. Additionally, it focuses on providing a rich, stimulating environment for learning.
The relationship between Montessori education and Sensory Play
Montessori learning is a popular approach to early childhood education that places a strong emphasis on sensory play. Sensory play is an important part of a child’s development, as it helps them to learn about the world through their senses. By providing children with materials to touch, see, hear, and manipulate, sensory play can help to stimulate their senses.
The approach provides children a rich, stimulating environment tailored to their individual needs and interests. A Montessori classroom is full of a wide range of materials that offers kids free open-ended playtime. These materials often include items such as blocks, Waldorf toys, wooden toys, peg dolls, tinker trays, and much more. The same materials are also used for sensory play,
Montessori education supports sensory play and the development of a child’s senses. The emphasis on open-ended play and creativity encourages children to use their imagination and to think for themselves. Overall, it is an effective way to support sensory play and a child’s development.