According to Maria Montessori, true and inner freedom cannot be given or conquered; it can only be built within oneself as a part of one's own personality. The child's pursuit of independence and autonomy forms the foundation. Instead of interventions and restrictions, the child needs space, attention, respect, and order to develop inner freedom. Maria Montessori recognized that this care must begin from the earliest age, during a time when the child is primarily guided by impulses of their nature. Waiting until the age of reason to explain the significance and dignity of freedom is not advised
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Freedom of Choice
Children have the opportunity to select various activities and materials freely from a prepared environment. Teachers provide a diverse array that aligns with children's interests and needs, enabling them to explore their own learning paths and follow their curiosity.
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Freedom of Movement
Montessori classrooms are designed to allow children to move freely and unrestrictedly. The setup empowers children to transition from one place to another and organize their activities independently.
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Social Interaction
Montessori education emphasizes the significance of social interaction. Children work in mixed-age environments, enabling them to learn from one another and provide mutual support. The child's freedom also encompasses the ability to engage in the community and develop social competencies.
Individualized Learning
Every child possesses distinct interests, abilities, and learning paces. The Montessori method allows children to learn at their own pace and concentrate on the topics that resonate with them. Teachers closely observe children and offer individual support to meet their needs. The child's freedom in Montessori education fosters self-determination, self-confidence, independence, and intrinsic motivation for learning. By assuming responsibility for their own education, children develop lifelong learning skills and a positive attitude toward acquiring knowledge.
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Free Choice Work
Free choice work is an essential element of Montessori education. It refers to the period during which children, in a prepared environment, independently select and engage with various activities and materials. During free choice work, children have the liberty to explore their learning paths, make independent decisions, and work at their individual pace. In a Montessori classroom, an array of specially designed learning materials is available to children. These materials are tailored to different developmental stages and encompass a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, language, sensorial activities, geography, music, and more. Free choice work allows children to pursue their interests and delve deeply into subjects that resonate with them. Teachers observe children during this time and provide individual guidance and support when needed. Through free choice work, children not only acquire academic knowledge but also develop skills in self-organization, concentration, perseverance, and social competencies. Free choice work is central to Montessori education as it empowers children to develop intrinsic motivation for learning and unfold their personalities in diverse ways. By learning in a self-directed and self-responsible manner, children become active shapers of their education, cultivating a lifelong joy for learning.
Polarization of Attention
The "Polarization of Attention" is a concept in Montessori education developed by Maria Montessori. It pertains to a phenomenon where children often develop intense and focused concentration on specific activities or materials during free choice work. When a child exhibits a strong attraction to a particular learning material or activity, they can immerse themselves in a state of deep concentration for an extended period. In this state, the child is highly motivated, repeatedly engages and deepens their efforts, and demonstrates remarkable endurance. During this phase, children can develop a range of skills and experience deep internal satisfaction. Maria Montessori observed that the Polarization of Attention plays a crucial role in a child's development. By pursuing their interests and passions, children can naturally acquire essential skills and competencies. In a Montessori environment, teachers support this polarization by offering a rich selection of learning materials and activities, granting children the freedom to choose their learning paths. The Polarization of Attention demonstrates that children learn best when they are self-motivated and in a state of flow. By harnessing this phenomenon, Montessori education enables children to cultivate profound enthusiasm for learning and fully realize their individual potentials.