What is the Montessori Method? Allowing a child to learn in an educational setting where the environment is engineered towards him (low shelves, desks, chairs, easy access to materials, etc.). The learning is child-led. There are no workbooks or tests. Rather, Maria Montessori developed materials that, once introduced by the teacher, the child can use to correct themselves as they master each skill. A phrase to sum up a Montessori classroom would be: "Freedom within limits." "Would you like to work on math or spelling?" Not, "Would you like to do work today?"
Why is it successful? Children are naturally curious and have an insatiable appetite for knowledge. As they grow, they each pass through what Montessori coined "Sensitive Periods,"where learning (letters, numbers, math, reading, etc.) comes easy and almost naturally.
Does it work at home? Yes. But it is difficult. There is no curriculum a Mom can simply turn to for guidance as to the week's activities. Materials can be expensive or, can be made, but take time to do so. Most importantly, Mom needs to be sure she isn't pushing or pulling her child through the material. Rather, materials should be available for the child when he is ready to learn. Patience and observation are the key. That and a belief in child-led learning.
Our struggles: In the past, I would work with Kolbe on the letter sounds and he would often give up or ask to quit. Each piece of work I would offer him would end the same way--he'd work on it and complete it, but rarely return to it due to lack of interest. Often, I questioned whether I was doing the right thing. Doubt is easily the homeschooler's initial reaction to anything that sniffs of failure.
The Montessori Method, if I can draw an analogy, is like breast-feeding. You never know how much the child is "getting". Often, women are leery of nursing their babies because you cannot measure how much the child is getting at a time. However, you can observe signs that he is thriving on your milk--baby is growing, not overly fussy, etc. Montessori is the same. There are no filled workbook pages to ease a Mother's mind for metrics of learning. There are no tests. There is no visible way to measure if your child is "getting" the material. Rather, observation of your child's interests and where he is going will tell you if he's progressing. Then, one day, you see the "Ah-ha moment".
Today was that day. I am thankful, for it reignites my passion for Montessori. And my belief that when we follow the child, and allow him freedom within limits, he will show us where he needs to go.
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