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What is the Montessori Method of Education?
The Montessori method of education is a schooling system founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, and educator. She brought a turning point in the process of Montessori education. It grew and changed throughout the first 5o years. We could also say it still is growing and varies according to the generation.
The Montessori method of education differs from the regular classroom-style education. This education system helps children develop genuine interests and activities rather than formal learning methods. It emphasizes hands-on learning and development in real-life things. It makes the child independent and makes them interested in learning naturally.
One of the central beliefs that this education method stands on is that children under 6 learn through environmental interactions.
So as a parent, you are now aware of what a Montessori method of education means. Many daycares, preschools, and Montessori schools bloom in this fast-growing world. Say that every place with a name card as “Montessori” doesn’t practice the authentic way.
Keep that aside, and now let us focus on some simple Montessori activities that we can do in our homes to guide the little ones by ourselves. These activities will be enjoyable to do with them, and the kids also will love it with their parents. After all, it gives quality time between the parent and child.
1.Pouring Grains
Purpose
- Direct: To develop the skill of pouring.
- Indirect: Preparation of fingers while picking up the grains.
Points of Interests
- Seeing that all the lentils are transferred.
Age Group
- 2 – 3 years
Materials Needed
- A Tray
- 2 Identical Jugs
- Rice or Lentils
Presentation
Introduction
- Ask the child to bring the necessary materials by assisting him.
- While at the worktable, make the child sit first, and then you sit next.
- Make sure you tell the child that you will be showing him how to pour the grains.
First, from right to left (till the jug is emptied)
- Wrap your right-hand index and middle finger around the handle of the jug that is on the right side.
- Have your right-hand thumb on the top of the handle and
- Left-hand index and middle finger on the same jug under the nose in the middle of the jug’s height.
- Pick the right jug, so its base is at the other jug’s nose level.
- Bring the nose of the jug in your hand to the middle of the wide opening of the other jug on the tray.
- Tilt the jug and pour it in slowly but steadily.
- Continue this till all the grains have been poured and emptied.
- Keep the jug back on your hand in its original position by lifting your left-hand fingers off the jug and right-hand thumb and the other two right-hand fingers off the handle.
Second from left to right (till the jug is emptied)
- This is also done in the same above-told manner. But you need to switch hands as left for right.
Cleaning
- Pick up the right-side jug. Use the technique as told above. Place it above the tray. Do the same for the left-side jug too.
- Check the tray for any spills.
- If any lentils have fallen off, use your right-hand thumb and right-hand index finger to pick them up as you are pinching.
- Now replace the jugs, left first and right next.
After you show the child how to do it, and then when he successfully masters it, let him do it individually. Later guide him on keeping back the things.
2. Spooning grains
Purpose
- Direct: To develop the skill of spooning.
- Indirect: Coordination of the child’s movements and development of concentration.
Points of Interests
- Position the oval mouth of the spoon in the center of the bowl so the grains fall into the bowl and not onto the tray.
Age Group
- 2 – 3 years
Materials Needed
- A tray
- Two identical bowls
- One spoon
- Grain
Presentation
- Ask the child to bring the necessary materials by assisting him.
- While at the worktable, make the child sit first, and then you sit next.
- Make sure you tell the child that you will be showing him how to spoon the grains and introduce him to the name of the materials available.
Picking up the spoon
- Pinch the handle of the handle in its middle with your right-hand thumb on top and your right-hand index finger wrapped under.
- Lift the spoon, wrap the three fingers around it, and firmly hold the handle.
- Now, scoop grains to the whole spoon level by placing the spoon by the middle of the bowl and slowly raising it, and smoothly move it to the side of the left bowl until it comes to the center of the left bowl and pours it in.
- Continue this process till the bowl is emptied.
- Then repeat this from the bowl from left to right.
Once the child is skilled, let him do it alone.
3. Wet pouring
This is an exciting activity for the kids and an essential task in the Montessori method.
Purpose
- Direct: Pour water from the right-hand jug into the left-hand jug, then from the left jug into the right jug.
- A cloth is to be used to wipe the brim of the jugs.
- Indirect: Concentration, hand-eye coordination, Patience, Hand control, and Eye convergence
Age Group
- 2 ½ to 3 years
Materials Needed
- Two identical jugs
- Water
- A cloth
- Tray and mat
Presentation
- Invite the child to begin his work.
- A mat should be placed on the table to keep the tray.
- Place the full jug on the right and the other on the left. Place a cloth napkin in front of the jugs.
- Keep your right-hand thumb on the top of the handle and use the index and middle fingers to grasp the handle.
- Use your left-hand index and middle finger to stabilize the bottom of the jug.
- Gently tilt and pour into the other jug. Then wipe the brim and place it back.
- Now repeat it from the left to right jug in the same manner.
This can also be done by pouring into smaller jugs from a larger one.
Water spilling is monitored, and then at the end of the work cycle, we can ask the child to clean.
First, take the things from the tray and place them above it on the table. Then wipe the water spills using the cloth napkin from the left side to the right side of the tray. Later, replace the things on the tray.
We can also use cold water or milk for this pouring activity.
Summary
We saw three exciting activities to do with your kids at home. As a caregiver and parent, it is essential you know the right way of doing things to educate your child.
After all, these are real-life practical activities to guide your child forever.
Please read our complete guide on Montessori parenting to enlighten yourself with the best knowledge.
