Montessori as progressive education
Montessori education is often celebrated as one of the most innovative and effective approaches to teaching young children. Rooted in progressive education philosophy, Montessori places the child at the centre of the learning experience, prioritizing their individual needs, interests, and natural pace of development. Unlike traditional education methods that emphasize rote memorization and standardized testing, Montessori focuses on learning through exploration, hands-on experiences, and fostering a love for learning. But what exactly makes Montessori a form of progressive education? Let’s take a closer look.
At its core, Montessori is deeply child-centred. The Montessori classroom is designed to support the individual needs and curiosity of each child. One of the key features of Montessori is its use of specialized, self-correcting materials that engage children in learning through direct interaction. These materials help children grasp complex concepts in a concrete, tangible way, promoting deeper understanding. The emphasis is on activity-based learning, where children explore topics of interest through hands-on experiences, making learning more engaging and meaningful.
In a Montessori classroom, the teacher takes on a facilitative role, observing and guiding students as they work independently. This approach fosters self-confidence and autonomy, as students are given the freedom to explore at their own pace. Teachers create an environment that encourages exploration and critical thinking rather than delivering information directly.
Montessori classrooms also feature mixed-age groups, which promote peer mentorship and collaboration. Older students help younger ones, creating a sense of community and encouraging social skills like empathy and leadership. This setup contrasts with traditional classrooms, where students are typically grouped by age, and fosters a collaborative rather than competitive learning environment.
Another distinguishing characteristic of Montessori education is the long, uninterrupted work periods. These extended blocks of time allow students to focus deeply on tasks, develop concentration, and pursue their interests without frequent distractions. It encourages self-discipline and time management, helping children take ownership of their learning experience.
In sum, Montessori is a unique form of progressive education that combines child-centred learning with a holistic approach. By focusing on hands-on exploration, mixed-age collaboration, and individualized instruction, Montessori nurtures academic, social, and emotional development. It provides a learning environment that prepares children for lifelong learning, creativity, and active citizenship.
Chrysanthie is an early year’s educator working as an Assistant Teacher at Little Gems Montessori. She is a newcomer to a Montessori classroom, its approach and philosophy. In this blog, she reflects upon what she has experienced and understood from being exposed to working in our environment drawing comparisons to the traditional approach and previous working experiences and approaches. Chrysanthie is now getting ready for her future studies of becoming a Montessorian. Get in touch should you want to learn more about the Montessori approach, classroom, and teacher training – littlegemsmontessori@gmail.com.
