Harmony. There is a distinct sense of peace and harmony in the prepared environment. Students move carefully, define their work space, and respect each others work. The children instinctively work together to create a harmonious classroom community that is essential to learning, concentration, and exploration.
Children understand the satisfaction of caring for a plant and seeing it develop, as well as the feeling of achievement that comes with it.
They find meaning in their green pursuits and their classroom reflects this, teeming with green life and providing a peaceful, tranquil ambience.
Children will understand that care for plants not only adds visual value to their classroom but also improves their mental well-being by providing a quiet and attentive atmosphere.
This system in which a child is constantly moving object; with his hands and actively exercising his senses, also takes into account a child’s special aptitude for mathematics. When they leave the material, the children very easily reach the point where they wish to write out the operation. They thus carry out an abstract mental operation and acquire a kind of natural and spontaneous inclination for mental calculations.
Are children able to learn in a mixed-age environment?
In Montessori, children of different ages learn together in the same classroom. This promotes collaboration, social skills, empathy, and the sharing of knowledge. Older children become mentors to younger ones, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.
In Montessori, the bead chains are a math material for hands on learning. The purpose of the bead chains is to teach skip counting. However, the bead chains are also an indirect preparation for multiplication, understanding the squaring of numbers, and then understanding the cubing of numbers.
The power of observation is one of the many key elements of a Montessori classroom. Children are free to observe their peers, in so far as they don’t interrupt their concentration, or otherwise disturb them.
Observation in a Montessori classroom is beneficial for several reasons:
Promotes Learning- Observation allows children to learn from their peers’ actions, behaviours, and interactions, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts.
Develops Empathy-By observing others, children develop empathy and an understanding of different perspectives and emotions.
Encourages Independence-Through observation, children learn to solve problems on their own and develop self-reliance, which are fundamental principles of the Montessori method.
Enhances Social Skills-Observing peers in a classroom setting helps children learn social norms, develop communication skills, and build friendships.
Supports Different Learning Styles-Observation caters to different learning styles, allowing children to absorb information visually and kinesthetically.
Facilitates Teacher Guidance-Teachers can use observations to assess individual children’s needs and tailor their guidance and support accordingly.
Overall, observation plays a crucial role in the Montessori classroom, contributing to a holistic learning experience for children.