Montessori Philosophy

The importance of developing senses

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Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social -Problem. The secret of childhood (pp. 100-102). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)

Thoughts after reading PART 1: 16. Lack of Comprehension

“The soul is constantly being nourished with the sight of natural beauties like the rising of the sun, or the delightful vision of a work of art, or with the sound of melodious voices or instruments….  If there were no ego to take delight in these various sights and sounds, what good would there be in these elaborate organs of sense?” (p.102, para. 1-2)

Part of the Early Childhood curriculum in a Montessori Classroom includes sensorial exercises.  Building sensorial skills brings concrete meaning to ideas that without experience are abstract. Sensorial activities help the child differentiate, categorize and grade smells, sounds, flavors, colors, sizes and textures.  Through his senses, the child learns to understanding the world around them and developing meaningful vocabulary, helping him to express himself and connect to his environment.  When a child feels a rough material, he connects the feeling with the meaning of the word, gaining understanding beyond basic comprehension.

Importance of order for the young child

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IMG_7032[1]Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social -Problem. The secret of childhood (pp. 49-59). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)

Thoughts after reading PART I: 8. Order

“In passing from nothing to that which will be the first principles of one’s future life, a child must make tremendous efforts.  He is so near to the very founts of life that he acts for the sake of acting.  This is the way of creation, of which we have neither knowledge nor remembrances.”

We have to be very careful when projecting our own motivations and perceptions on a child. Maria reminds us that as adults we have had many life experience which has given us in indifference towards order; whereas, as child will look for things to be where they expect them to be based on their limited experiences.

The perfect example is the hiding game. I remember playing with my own children, whom always want to hide in the same place. For the young child, the game is not about the “seeking” it is about “hiding.” The child is testing and gathering information about their environment. They are trying to make sense of the world that surrounds them, working to develop trust and knowledge they can depend on.

In the toddler room at our school, the teachers are very careful to not introduce things into the environment that would disturb their senses. Observers may only peek through the windows. Before school and afterschool exist in the same area. Every day the routine is very established and the children expect what is going to happen.

Everyday the toddler class takes a walk and when they return, I am thrilled when they wave at me.  When I first started working there, I could see the disappointment on their faces as they looked for my predecessor.  Today, I know that I have become part of their expanding world and they are happy to see me!

Mysterious force within a child

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Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social -Problem. The secret of childhood (pp. 29-36). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)

Thoughts after reading Part I: 6 The spiritual embryo: The incarnation

“The very fact that a child is not subject to fixed and predetermined guiding instincts is an indication of its innate liberty and freedom of action.” (p.31, para. 2)

Montessori looks at education at the importance of psychic development.  She explains a “mysterious force” which drives moves the body, helping the baby grow in many developmental areas.   Because of the special way in which human children develop, it is essential to provide them with an environment that will nurture their spirit as well as their physical development.

After my second daughter was born I was working at a Montessori school and was began studying Montessori Philosophy.  I tried to incorporate what I was learning into my parenting. Both of my children benefitted from being able to explore their environment in a less restrictive way. The result for my youngest daughter was toilet training at a very young age, as well as walking very early. Both children became very independent and enjoyed doing a lot of things for themselves.  Allowing them freedom to explore nurtured their spirit. This trait is still very present in both of their characters today.

Providing more than the necessities

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Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social -Problem. The secret of childhood (pp. 26-28). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)

Thoughts after reading PART I: 5. The natural instincts

“(O)ver and above the delicate care that is lavished upon the physical welfare of a newborn child, attention should be paid to its psychic needs as well.” (p.29, para. 3)

This chapter reminds the reader, that animals in nature show great care in the protection and welfare of our animals.  Their motives are instinctive.   I have the same desire to care and protect for my children.  Yet there is another important aspect, beyond physical care, that is important: spiritual or psychic needs.  It can be easy to get attached to scheduled feedings and diaper changes, but  as parents we are meant to truly nurture our children, passing on our love and wisdom. Providing just the basics without “love” and can be harmful to a child.

I loved singing to my babies.  Each child I cradled in arms and sang endless lullabies.  I will never forget my daughter, only months old, cooing along with me with the sweetest voice.  I tell her today, when she was young I gave her singing lessons.

I even wrote a special lullaby for each of my daughters.  This was an expression of love that I gave to them. Even though they are approaching their teenage years, they still want me to sing them their song.  I believe that singing to them nurtured their spirit from a very young age and today it connects them to feelings of comfort and safety they felt as babies.