MONTESSORI METHOD

1. What is the Montessori educational method?

The Montessori educational method is a modern, scientific and comprehensive method of educating children based on experience and research named after the Italian doctor and educator – Maria Montessori.

The Montessori educational method is developed based on the psychological characteristics of children under 6 years old, including:

• Tendency to be close to nature
• Orderliness
• Love to explore
• Purposeful activities
• Explore the surrounding environment
• Manipulate objects
• Repetition
• Abstraction
• Perfection
• Mathematical intelligence

On that basis, the Montessori educational method provides children with learning experiences in areas such as Practical Life, Sensory, Mathematics, Language and Culture (History, Geography, Science, Art). With the diversity of learning areas, children have more opportunities to expand their knowledge, develop their existing potential and cultivate and develop skills.

2. Advantages of the Montessori educational method and the application of the Montessori method at Fairy School

Children choose their favorite activities, prioritizing the development of concentration and individuality

In Montessori lessons, each child will be able to choose the learning activities they like according to the pace of each child’s development.

In each classroom at Fairy School Montessori teaching aids are arranged according to specialized learning corners: practical life corner, sensory corner, math corner, cultural corner, etc. Each learning corner is arranged with corresponding learning aids so that children can freely study individually under the guidance of the teacher. Through learning with visual aids and guidance from teachers, children learn a variety of issues: geography, history, mathematics, senses, emotions, etc.

In class, each child can choose their favorite activities and develop at their own pace. The learning process through separate activities will optimize children’s concentration, creating conditions for children to explore and express themselves. Fairy School does not apply a common curriculum or general assessment for the entire class of 20 children, but only looks at each child, encouraging them to explore and learn.

Children are absorbed in their favorite activities

Visual aids are the main learning tools

Visual aids are objects and materials designed to aid the perception of the senses. And children are easily attracted to those tools. Therefore, Dr. Montessori developed these specialized teaching aids in teaching children according to the Montessori educational method.

There are many different types of Montessori teaching aids, often made of wood, with detailed and sophisticated designs aimed at stimulating exploration and discovery to help children learn diverse issues from Geography, Science, Mathematics, Art, etc.

With the characteristics of the Montessori method, each teaching aid will help children develop skills and understanding of different fields. Therefore, at Fairy School each classroom is fully equipped with standard Montessori teaching aids, suitable for the age of students according to separate thematic corners. Teachers at Fairy School are trained in how to use and approach each teaching aid in accordance with the Montessori method so that children have the most correct and effective orientation.

Visual teaching aids help children easily approach problems and attract children

Teachers are only supporters and companions to children

In the Montessori curriculum, children will be the center of learning activities. Teachers only play a guiding role, encouraging children to be proactive with their surroundings and learn on their own according to their own personality. Montessori teachers need to meet the following criteria: love, take care of children wholeheartedly, do not impose on children but only observe, give suggestions and support each child’s self-development ability to the maximum in each lesson, follow children closely to create learning paths suitable for children…

At Fairy School in addition to teachers who are trained in Preschool Education at Colleges and Universities, when entering Fairy School will undergo training courses and periodic Montessori education exams to meet the requirements of teaching. Therefore, teachers at Fairy School always continuously learn, accumulate experience and improve teaching quality.

Orderly and harmonious environment

Montessori classrooms are designed based on the suitability and requirements of children with a variety of visual aids within their reach. The classroom is arranged in an orderly, tidy manner with harmonious colors so that children can learn best. On that basis, integrated education that balances learning and free movement, combining physical, mental and social activities is also comprehensively implemented in the Montessori program.

With the above outstanding features, when children are educated according to the Montessori method, they will develop comprehensively in terms of intelligence, physical strength, spirit and form good personality as well as important skills such as behavioral skills, social communication, learning skills and teamwork skills, …

Hopefully the above information has helped parents understand more about the Montessori educational method and its applications of this method in teaching at the Fairy School bilingual preschool system.