Montessori Materials, from India to Riverbend
Posted by Kate Morse on Thu, Sep 29, 2011 @ 01:42 PM
“The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.” -Maria Montessori
One fascinating aspect of the Montessori philosophy is that it sweeps across international borders. Montessori schools literally exist all over the world:
- Thailand
- Italy (Montessori homeland)
- Japan
- Pakistan
- France
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Egypt
- Nigeria
- China
- Malaysia
- ...the list goes on (and on)
Montessori children across the globe are connected--they all use the same Montessori Materials in a prepared environment and are taught with the same nurture and care. Can you imagine a Primary student in India using the Pink Tower alongside of our Riverbend toddler, Ava, except they are separated by 7,000+ miles of ocean?
Check out the Pink Tower in India:
Now check out the Pink Tower at Riverbend with Ava:
The Pink Tower helps students develop their ability to compare variations in size and discrimination of volume using their sense of sight.
Montessori Materials were birthed out of Maria Montessori's observations of young children spontaneously working with sensorial objects with independence and curiosity. Seeing their minds concentrate as they lit up with fascination and happiness led her to beautifully design age specific learning materials.
“The first essential for the child’s development is concentration. The child who concentrates is immensely happy...The human hand allows the minds to reveal itself.” -Maria Montessori
The materials are attractively displayed in the classroom (whether in Prague or Cairo) and are carefully presented to students at an appropriate time based on pace and age. Once shown the charming and interesting looking materials, students are then allowed to freely engage with their minds and hands as they become self-directed and independent.