The Montessori Principles
Montessori is not just about Montessori materials ... it's a way of
life. It's about who you are, how you think, and what you feel. It's about allowing yourself to think freely, to love learning, to solve problems, to care for and respect others, to value the Earth.
Even if
you're not offering your
children a pure Montessori environment filled with Montessori materials, the following 8 principles can be applied to your life and home.
- Movement and cognition are closely entwined, and
movement can enhance thinking and learning.
- Learning and
well-being are improved when people have a sense of control over their
lives.
- People learn better when they are interested in what
they are learning.
- Tying extrinsic rewards to an activity
(money for high grades) negatively impacts motivation to engage in that
activity when the reward is withdrawn.
- Collaborative
arrangements can be very conducive to learning.
- Learning
situated in meaningful contexts is often deeper and richer than learning
in abstract contexts.
- Particular forms of adult interaction
are associated with more optimal child outcomes.
- Order in the environment is beneficial to
children.
Read more about the general principles of the Montessori Environment