Learning begins at birth, or even before, and continues throughout our lives. Yet what is fascinating is that most of the learning occurs during early childhood from birth to six years – a plane of development called the “absorbent mind” by Dr. Montessori. It is during this phase that the child observes and absorbs the… Continue Reading »
Have you ever been curious as to how children learn in a Montessori setting? The Montessori Three-Period Lesson (basically a lesson in three parts) is used throughout the Montessori environment to help introduce a new concept and lead the children along a path to understanding and mastery. Villa Montessori Leesburg uses the Three-Period Lesson extensively (but not exclusively)… Continue Reading »
Providing a strong base for lifelong learning is essential to a child’s future success. Studies show that children are more successful in school and beyond when given a strong foundation in the earliest years of their lives. The Montessori philosophy centers around helping children develop cognitive, social, and physical abilities to help build this foundation. Villa Montessori Leesburg… Continue Reading »
“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” — Dr. Maria Montessori You may already know that Montessori educators value and encourage independence even at the youngest of ages. Why do we believe that independence is so important? It’s simple really – the development of independence leads… Continue Reading »
According to Dr. Maria Montessori, the absorbent mind occurs from birth until approximately the age of six. During this time period, a child experiences a period of intense mental activity that allows him or her to “absorb” learning from their environment on an unconscious level with very little effort. Learning during this absorbent mind period is natural and… Continue Reading »
Understanding the Montessori Method: Learning Through Senses Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children have “sensitive periods” for learning. She observed that the first six years of children’s lives are directed by their absorbent minds. Learning is never-ending and begins at birth. As newborns, we immediately start to explore our environment through our senses and begin to learn about our… Continue Reading »
The Montessori Method is often a mystery to a lot of parents. They may have heard of Montessori, but have no understanding of its ideology. Over the next several months, we will dive more deeply into the Five Key Learning Areas of Montessori and how children develop academically and socially. These five areas include: Practical Life Sensorial Language Mathematics Culture… Continue Reading »
The philosophy behind mixed-aged groups is so children can learn the skills to be a leader. Older children mentor younger children and the younger children have someone older to emulate. Additionally, children who are an only child learn how it feels to have siblings. Children learn to be warm and supportive communities. It also teaches them to be… Continue Reading »
If you have an interest in becoming an educator, then you might consider teaching at a Montessori School. Montessori style learning is much different than other forms of education. The environment is more child-centered, and each child is given individualized attention. A typical day for a Montessori teacher is also very different when compared to… Continue Reading »
