montessori
The Montessori method is an approach to educating children based on the research and experiences of Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori(1870–1952). The Method arose from observation of young children given freedom in an environment. She believed she had discovered children’s natural tendencies to learn. Based on her observations, she created an environment prepared with materials designed for their self-directed learning activity.
Applying this method involves the teacher viewing and aiding each child’s own optimal self-directed development. The teacher's role of observation sometimes includes experimental interactions with children, commonly referred to as "lessons," to resolve misbehavior or to show how to use the various self-teaching materials that are provided in the environment for the children's free use.
A 2006 study published in the journal Science concluded that Montessori students (at ages 5 and 12) performed better than students who attended a variety of different, conventional schools. This improved performance was achieved in a variety of areas, including not only traditional academic areas such as language and math, but in social skills as well.
Stepping Stones teachers are trained and highly experienced in Montessori philosophy and techniques. The school is equipped with many Montessori learning tools such as maps, shapes, numbers... all designed to promote self-directed learning.
The Montessori method involves a curriculum of learning that comes from the child's own natural inner guidance and expresses itself in outward behavior as the child's various individual interests are at work. Supporting this inner plan of nature, the method provides a range of materials to stimulate the child's interest through self-directed activity. In the first plane of development (0–6 years), these materials are generally organized into five basic categories:
1. Practical life
2.Sensorial
3.Math
4.Language
5.Culture
Other categories include geography (a child's perception of himself in space), history (a child's perception of himself in time), and science (interactions with the natural world).