Montessori’s ideas have influenced the way all early childhood programs are structured today. Even if you are a Montessori skeptic, many of her ideas are especially helpful when working with young learners and can be easily implemented in the ELT classroom.
1. Environment
Montessori believed that environments need to be organised, clean and beautiful so that children can learn from them, too. The responsibility for keeping classroom organised does not fall on the teacher. On the contrary, children should be encouraged to keep the classroom clean and orderly.
How?
Make it part of the routine right from an early age. Even very young learners love helping!
Include the practical life activities which teach children how to take care of the space around them.
Make it playful and sing a tidy-up song.
Be consistent.
Remember that beauty inspires interest. Displaying children's art, hanging a famous painting, or bringing in fresh flowers can help you arrange an interesting and beautiful environment for children.
2. Materials
Keeping materials accessible and organised lets children reach things when they need them. The material should be clearly marked in a child-friendly way (with pictures and the printed name). This way children also become responsible for their own learning.
3. Independence
Although doing something for children is sometimes easier than teaching them to do it for themselves, children learn best by doing. That's why teachers should create opportunities for children to do things for themselves.
4. Observation
Montessori believed that observation is the key to determining what children are interested in or need to learn. Ongoing observations help assess the progress of the children. Besides they can be used as a basis for evaluating the activity and considering possibilities for enrichment and extension. Observation also allows behaviour management to go more smoothly.
If you'd like to read more about the recording of observations, these blog posts might be useful:
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