Montessori's Gones
In a Montessori environment, you will find the following criteria:
A qualified AMI (Association Montessori International) educator
Role:
The educator must be a role model for the child. He or she is the guardian of the atmosphere, the link between the material and Montessorian principles. He or she must observe the child in order to present him or her with the material that meets his or her needs.
The educator gradually introduces the equipment to each child. The educator, and/or the assistant if applicable, guides, accompanies and maintains a serene atmosphere.
A mixed-age group
Ages 3 to 6
The mix of ages is designed to encourage children to work together, exchange ideas, respect each other, compete within the group and develop social relationships.
A sufficiently long working range
Concentration:
The children have around two and a half hours of independent activity time each morning and afternoon, to ensure that their work rhythm is respected and that they are able to concentrate.
Certain activities, such as music, yoga, dance, plastic arts, etc., may sometimes be offered.
A prepared environment
The Montessori school is a place designed for the child, so that he or she can develop to the full and become the true protagonist of his or her life.
The child's environment:
This is a child-friendly environment, with furniture and equipment adapted to the child's size and strength. The equipment must be complete, beautiful and refined, to make the child want to use it.
"It's in the first years of life that the child prepares, thanks to his mind absorbing all the characteristics of the individual, even though he's unconscious of them. This is the age when educational help is provided by the environment. This, then, is the age at which man works without fatigue and assimilates knowledge like a life-giving food." Maria Montessori.
Free choice of activity
Free choice:
The equipment is made available and accessible to the children. Once the material has been presented to the child, he or she can choose an activity according to his or her motivation, and can use a material for as long as he or she wishes, thus satisfying his or her interest. Montessori materials offer the possibility of self-correction. Through regular practice and observation, children focus their attention and gradually develop their ability to concentrate. Adults intervene only when necessary, creating a climate of trust and freedom.
"It is not a matter of abandoning the child to himself to do what he will, but of preparing for him an environment in which he can act freely." Maria Montessori
Specific equipment
More than 180 pieces of equipment:
All Montessori materials are scientifically developed.
"The child can only develop by experiencing his environment. We call this experience Work." Maria Montessori