Main discoveries made by Maria Montessori

Dr. Maria Montessori’s, educational approach based on observation and experimentation. She used a scientific approach. She worked tirelessly observing children, analyzing results and developing new materials. In start she worked with mentally disabled children and achieved astonishing results. After that she thought to work with normal children. She believed the ‘secret of childhood’ that every child have a potential and it’s the responsibility of adults to help them and flourish this potential. Montessori was the revolutionary who created her method from observation, not just from old theories.

Here are some of her observations that have the most importance for early learning activities:

·         She carefully observed the inclination of child’s interest and developed the materials/activities accordingly.

 

·         She observed that child whose concentration on graded wooden cylinders was so strong that efforts to distract him were useless. And when the child had finished he seemed rested and happy. The child’s ability for deep concentration and love towards the work was phenomenal.

·         She also observed the child’s need for repetition which fulfilled a child’s need. She then decided to give children the freedom to be able to accomplish their work.

·         Maria Montessori also observed that children had a great sense of order. Children put things back to where it belonged. She respected this and allowed them to do it by placing the materials in an open cupboard rather than locked cupboards as it was initially done. This cemented the way for the freedom of choice for the child to choose their work. She observed that real discipline comes through freedom.

·         When Montessori gave a lesson on blowing the nose she received great cheer from the children. Children are always being practised about keeping their nose clean but no one has calmly taught them how to do it. This made her realize that even small children had a sense on personal dignity. Montessori always emphasized the respect for even the youngest child.

·         She observed that her children have more interest in academic activities instead of toys. She noticed that children preferred work over play, especially in school timings.

·         She observed that young children are highly energetic activity powerhouses, always seeking out experiences that will help them grow and develop. She observed that children have the ability to select their own work/activity. They are not work for any incentives or rewards. Their inner motivation is fair enough to motivate them for a particular work.

·         She observed that a child can learn almost everything in early childhood, as it was previously thought, that many things are too complex for children.

·         She observed and believed that real obedience comes through love, respect and faith. Elders/ teachers should be polite and sharp enough to understand the child’s behavior.

·         She believed that the child’s behavior depends on the environment. A child can be disobedient, stubborn etc. or a child can be disciplined, happy and healthy. It depends on the environment. If proper, healthy and interactive environment provided to children and their rightful needs fulfilled, they behave normal otherwise not. The second condition is called deviation.

·         She noticed that children are willing to do their work by their own. They feel happy and satisfied while doing daily household activities. Like cleaning, washing etc. She concluded that children want to learn “Help me do it myself” strategy.

·         After continues research and observation she came to know the traffic patterns of the room arrangements for children. Room should not be congested and over loaded. Children love to sit on floor during many activities so there should be rugs or floor mats for them.

·         She noticed that children are more comfortable with their sized furniture and things. So whole building and rooms are designed according to children interest and comfort ability. The furniture, washrooms etc. are designed and sized for children. Windows low to the ground and low shelves used so that children can have the outside view and used things from shelves.

·         She discovered that for building child’s complete personality, they need to do activities regarding sensorial concepts, physical activities, languages, math, art, culture and many more.

After all these observation and changes first “Casa dei Bambini” (House of Children) came out. The fame of Maria Montessori, her House of Children and method quickly spread all over the world.