About Montessori -
Major Points Of The Montessori Method*
1. It is based on observations of the nature of the
child.
2. Its application is universal; the results can be
successfully achieved in any country and with any racial, cultural or
economic group.
3. It reveals the small child as a lover of work,
both of the intellect and of mastery of the body (especially the hand). This
work is spontaneously chosen and carried out with profound joy.
4. Through his work, the child shows spontaneous
discipline. This discipline originates within him and is not imposed from
without. This discipline is real, as contrasted with the artificial
discipline of rewards and punishments prevalent under other methods.
5. It provides suitable occupations based on the
vital urges of the child at each stage of development. Each stage is
successfully mastered before the next is attained.
6. It offers the child a maximum of spontaneity in
choice of physical and mental activity.
7. Nevertheless, the child reaches the same or
higher levels of scholastic attainment as under traditional systems.
8. Each child works at his own pace. The quick are
not held back nor are the slow pressured.
9. There is much opportunity for group work, and
the children spontaneously offer help with work they have mastered to those
children who have not.
10. It enables the trained adult to guide each
child individually in each subject according to his own individual
requirements.
11. It allows the child to grow in biological
independence by respecting his needs and removing undue influence of the
adult. It allows the child a large measure of liberty based on respect for
the rights of others. This liberty is not permissive license, but forms the
basis of real discipline.
12. It does away with competition as a major
motivation for learning. The child competes with himself. It presents
endless opportunities for mutual work and help--these joyfully given and
received.
13. The child works from his own free choice. This
choice is preceded by knowledge and is thus a real choice.
14. The Montessori method develops the whole
personality of the child, not merely his intellectual faculties but also his
powers and deliberation, initiative and independent choice, with their
emotional complements. By living as a free member of a real social
community, the child is trained in those fundamental social qualities which
form the basis of good citizenship.
*Adapted and quoted from: The Montessori Method:
A Revolution in Education. E. M. Standing, The Academy Library Guild 1962.
