The Montessori approach is more familiar to many than the Reggio Emilia Approach. It is based on the work of Maria Montessori an Italian Physician and Teacher. The philosophy of Montessori teaching is based on children interacting with materials to construct their own learning (constructivist teaching). It focuses on children learning independence which is believed to bring about development in a natural way. Although children are given great freedom to move between activities the teacher creates a prepared environment in which the children use materials in specific ways to accomplish learning goals and develop skills.
The materials in a Montessori classroom are typically in natural and muted colors rather than bright colors. In many ways nature is brought inside. There is great emphasis on order and items have a specific place to be used and to be placed once work is complete. Trays or baskets are often used to hold prepared "work" to be completed. An example of prepared work for children in a Montessori classroom would be a tray with two bowls of water, one of which would have beads with the water and the other would not. The children would be expected to remove the beads from one bowl with a spoon and place them in another. To aid in development of independence the children are encouraged to complete self care skills for themselves such as independently preparing their snack and cleaning up once it is eaten. This is just a brief post about The Montessori Approach. If you have other thoughts or knowledge about the approach please post your ideas below!
Other Montessori resources:
https://amshq.org/Montessori-Education -general description and information about Montessori
http://amshq.org/Montessori%20Education/Introduction%20to%20Montessori/Montessori%20Classrooms - a look inside of a Montessori classroom
http://montessoriconnections.com/about-montessori-education/the-montessori-classroom/ - links to Montessori organizations and provides Montessori information
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