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Teaching For Peace |
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No educational philosophy or pedagogy reaches with such depth and breadth to answer the
question of why we educate in the first place, as does the Montessori philosophy and method.
Often misunderstood by those outside of the Montessori community, the truth of the story is
that Dr. Montessori's "method" is much more than a rigorous and meaningful curriculum. It is,
in fact, the foundation for the establishment of a more peaceful world, based upon the premise
that when children are given the opportunity to develop naturally, or normally, their innate
potential will be revealed and they will grow into adults who are self-actualizing, thereby creating
a new and more evolved humanity, able to build a more peaceful and loving world. We call it a
method, yet Dr. Montessori insisted repeatedly that it was not a method at all, but rather the
"normal development" of the human being free from adult interferences and obstacles. The
Montessori vision is dedicated to cultivating the spirit of the child, as well as the intellect, for only
when the whole child is nurtured, can the unfolding of individual potential be accomplished.
question of why we educate in the first place, as does the Montessori philosophy and method.
Often misunderstood by those outside of the Montessori community, the truth of the story is
that Dr. Montessori's "method" is much more than a rigorous and meaningful curriculum. It is,
in fact, the foundation for the establishment of a more peaceful world, based upon the premise
that when children are given the opportunity to develop naturally, or normally, their innate
potential will be revealed and they will grow into adults who are self-actualizing, thereby creating
a new and more evolved humanity, able to build a more peaceful and loving world. We call it a
method, yet Dr. Montessori insisted repeatedly that it was not a method at all, but rather the
"normal development" of the human being free from adult interferences and obstacles. The
Montessori vision is dedicated to cultivating the spirit of the child, as well as the intellect, for only
when the whole child is nurtured, can the unfolding of individual potential be accomplished.
What is the goal of Montessori Education?
The goal is the unveiling of each child’s innate, unbounded potential.
What process is used to unveil the child’s potential?
The child needs only to be allowed to develop normally, or naturally, without unnecessary adult
intervention and without repressive obstacles placed in her way by unknowing adults.
What motivates and impels the child in her normal development?
The child is motivated to learn and grow by sensitive periods, inner directives, and constructive instincts.
What is the fundamental principle which must be in place for normal development to occur?
The underlying, fundamental principle is liberty. The child must be free to act upon the inner impulses-
those constructive instincts and inner directives- that guide his development. If he is not free, he cannot
follow his inner guide which leads him in his normal development. Normal development is a process of self-
creation. The child creates himself!
What are the pathways to self-creation in the child?
First, the child walks the path of spontaneous activity. This is the path of freedom of movement, freedom
of speech, freedom to choose activities and work, freedom to repeat, freedom to rest when needed.
Second, the child self-creates by engaging in work, A child’s work must be self-chosen, self-directed, and
purposeful.
Is there a specific structure, or framework, which must be in place for the child to successfully self
create?
The Prepared Environment is the critical element which provides the structure that enables children to
self-educate and self-create.
Characteristics of the Prepared Environment include:
If the child creates herself, what then is the role of the teacher?
The teacher’s role is very different than in traditional learning environments in which the teacher, not the
child, is the center of the classroom. The role of the teacher is to:
What are the traits of the teacher who is able to do such work?
Montessori insisted the teacher must prepare herself spiritually.
Therefore, the teacher is a spiritual seeker who seeks humility and is non ego-centric. She has an
optimistic view of the child and faith in each child's sacred potential.
What is the child’s true nature that is revealed in such an environment?
Montessori used the word normalization. And yes, this word takes a bit of getting used to. But Montessori
meant that when the child is free to develop with interference and repressive obstacles placed in his path,
he will develop normally. These are the traits of a normalized child:
The goal is the unveiling of each child’s innate, unbounded potential.
What process is used to unveil the child’s potential?
The child needs only to be allowed to develop normally, or naturally, without unnecessary adult
intervention and without repressive obstacles placed in her way by unknowing adults.
What motivates and impels the child in her normal development?
The child is motivated to learn and grow by sensitive periods, inner directives, and constructive instincts.
What is the fundamental principle which must be in place for normal development to occur?
The underlying, fundamental principle is liberty. The child must be free to act upon the inner impulses-
those constructive instincts and inner directives- that guide his development. If he is not free, he cannot
follow his inner guide which leads him in his normal development. Normal development is a process of self-
creation. The child creates himself!
What are the pathways to self-creation in the child?
First, the child walks the path of spontaneous activity. This is the path of freedom of movement, freedom
of speech, freedom to choose activities and work, freedom to repeat, freedom to rest when needed.
Second, the child self-creates by engaging in work, A child’s work must be self-chosen, self-directed, and
purposeful.
Is there a specific structure, or framework, which must be in place for the child to successfully self
create?
The Prepared Environment is the critical element which provides the structure that enables children to
self-educate and self-create.
Characteristics of the Prepared Environment include:
- Order, organization, and accessibility
- Beauty and simplicity
- Reality-based furnishings and materials
- Specifically designed, self-correcting learning materials
- Access to the outdoors or an outdoor component
- Multiage classrooms
- Strong sense of community based on respect, compassion, and peace
If the child creates herself, what then is the role of the teacher?
The teacher’s role is very different than in traditional learning environments in which the teacher, not the
child, is the center of the classroom. The role of the teacher is to:
- Protect and nourish the spirit of the child
- Create and maintain the Prepared Environment
- Observe the child
- Present lessons
- Act as exemplar
What are the traits of the teacher who is able to do such work?
Montessori insisted the teacher must prepare herself spiritually.
Therefore, the teacher is a spiritual seeker who seeks humility and is non ego-centric. She has an
optimistic view of the child and faith in each child's sacred potential.
What is the child’s true nature that is revealed in such an environment?
Montessori used the word normalization. And yes, this word takes a bit of getting used to. But Montessori
meant that when the child is free to develop with interference and repressive obstacles placed in his path,
he will develop normally. These are the traits of a normalized child:
- Love of work
- Intense concentration
- Propensity for order
- Love of silence
- Inner (self) discipline
- Independence, autonomy, and self reliance
- Compassion and respect
- Inner peace and joy
| Explaining the Extraordinary Understanding Montessori's Philosophy & Method |
| Explaining the Extraordinary Understanding Montessori's Philosophy and Method |