The Montessori method allows children and babies to learn differently, by themselves. What are the principles? Activities, games, school and crèche… Specialist Emmanuelle Opezzo teaches us more about the Montessori pedagogy so much appreciated by parents.
For several years, the Montessori method arouses interest among parents. Developed by Maria Montessori, one of the first female doctors in Italy, she is a alternative education method, different from the pedagogy taught in National Education schools. In France, there are Montessori schoolsbut also Montessori nurseries. What are the principles of this educational pedagogy ? Is it suitable for all children? Decryption and advice from Emmanuelle Opezzo, founder of Koko Cabane, which offers workshops based on the Montessori method.
What is Montessori pedagogy?
Montessori pedagogy is an alternative education method based on self-confidence, autonomy, experimentation and gentle learning. Its objectives: to promote the awakening, the senses, the openness to the world and the development of the child while respecting his pace of learning and his centers of interest.
What are the main principles of the Montessori method?
Montessori pedagogy is based on several principles: it distinguishes in particular so-called “sensitive” periods in children, that is, times when he will be most likely to develop a type of skill. different learning stages are summoned:
- language
- coordination of movements
- the order
- the refinement of the senses
- social behavior
- gripping small objects
Where does the Maria Montessori method come from?
It all started in 1899: the research of Maria Montessori, doctor and active activist for the recognition of children’s rights, focus mainly on children with mental disabilities or carriers of mental disorders, whom she meets in asylums and psychiatric clinics.
At the same time, she trained several educators in what was called at the time “the observation and education of feeble-minded children” and manages that these “deficient” children learn to read, to write, even to pass examinations. In 1901, she is perfectly convinced that her methods can be applied to children without mental disorders. Thus, in 1907, his first school opened in Rome, Italy. The Montessori method was born.
Is the Montessori method suitable for all children?
“No specific profile prevails more than another for the Montessori pedagogy, says Emmanuelle Opezzo. This pedagogy is universal and timeless and is therefore suitable for every child. Its concrete and scientific material leads the child towards abstract thought and allows everyone to evolve according to their sensitivities and their needs. The Montessori method can be applied from an early age, for babies, kindergarten and primary school children.
“This pedagogy is universal and timeless and suitable for every child.”
What Montessori activities and games to do at home?
Many activities and games that incorporate the principles of the Montessori method can be done with children and even babies, whether at home or outdoors. For example, you can let them learn about Chinese shadows, writing, coloring, or how to tie shoelaces. Here are all our activities and our school worksheets according to the Montessori method.
What is the Montessori method for teaching a child to read?
Children aged 3-4 are particularly receptive to early learning of written language and reading. Thanks to the Montessori method, it is possible to make them aware of the recognition of sounds and letters thanks to concrete materials. Gradually, they learn to associate sounds with symbols and reading becomes a synthesizing activity. “Reading is above all a playful activity synonymous with joy for the child who accesses this cultural code in a simple and natural way. The Montessori pedagogy makes sure to keep this freshness“, summarizes Emmanuelle Opezzo.
To set up the Montessori method for a baby, the parents must let baby evolve freely in his environment at homeby providing it with sensory toys. Rattles, bells or discs, balls and sensory cushions, hammering benches, puzzles to fit… “Observing your child while he evolves in free motor skills in the exploration of his domestic environment, in the discovery of simple and sensory toys is the best way to transpose the essence of Montessori thinking at home. This reinforces the awareness of being, the security, the bond of attachment of the child“, explains Emmanuelle Opezzo.
Several brands offer toys inspired by Montessori precepts like Oxybul éveil et jeux and its Ateliers Montessori range. The stores Nature & Discoveries and other toy stores also offer Montessori games for babies.
Which Montessori books to choose?
There Montessori pedagogy can also apply at homethanks to different Montessori children’s books of which :
- The essentials of Montessori pedagogy by Charlotte Pousson (Librio edition)
- Teach me to do alone by Charlotte Poussin (J’ai Lu editions)
- Preparing my child to read and write: 100 Montessori activities (Nathan editions)
- 60 Montessori activities in the kitchen (Nathan editions)
- 65 Montessori activities for 6-12 year olds: The universe, the solar system and the Earth (Nathan editions)
- Collection Montessori at home “Learning to do alone”, “Exploring nature”, “Discovering the 5 senses” (Editions Eyrolles)
- Collection of albums from 1 year old My Montessori Day : “Maxime wakes up”, “Maxime gets dressed”, “Breakfast”, “Maxime goes to the park” (Bayard Youth editions)
- Great Montessori learnings for little hands, (Marabout editions)
- Collection My Montessori kindergarten workshops (editions Hatier)
At home it is easy toset up a child’s room according to the Montessori method. For this, it is first necessary to create areas dedicated to the learning of the child, and this as soon as he is a baby. Area for sleeping, activities, washing… Here are our tips for designing a Montessori room.
Where to find a Montessori school in France?
Bilingual nursery or primary schools, children’s centers, workshops, associations… There are many schools that use the Montessori method, with Montessori approved equipment, duly trained educators and at different prices. Before making your choice, do not hesitate to contact different schools, meet the teaching team and visit the establishment. There are certified Montessori schools all over France, Paris and its suburbs, Tours, Orléans, Metz, Limoges, Marseilles, Lyon, Nantes, Nancy, Dijon…
Most of Montessori schools are non-contract establishments. Unlike traditional schools, they favor individual activities rather than group activities. In a Montessori school, the child goes alone to the material he chooses to learn, and material after material builds his learning. The notion of freedom is therefore central to education. The teacher is called “guide” because his role is different from that of a National Education teacher. It remains in the background in order to leave the child autonomous in its exploration: the rhythms of the child are respected and no activity is imposed on him.
It prevents that “Montessori schools respect the fundamentals required by National Education and go well beyond since children handle large numbers and letters early, perform operations and discover the pleasure of reading. Cooperation between children of mixed ages also replaces the competition and comparison that exist more commonly in the traditional system.“, completes Emmanuelle Opezzo.
What is the Montessori method in the nursery?
In France, there are many Montessori nurseries. These establishments offer families a welcome for their children adapted to Montessori values, that is to say a framework that promotes the awakening, development and well-being of children. The spaces are generally designed and furnished with Montessori teaching materials. Early childhood professionals, trained in the Montessori method, also accompany the children. In this sector, we find in particular the network of nurseries NeoKidsand the Montessori micro-nurseries of the Blue House.
Thanks to Emmanuelle Opezzo, founder of Koko Cabane.