What Makes You a Great Montessori Teacher?

Montessori method is an educational approach where children are guided through self-directed and self-motivated learning. The activities encourage independent thinking and action. The system plays a crucial role in the cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical growth of children. Montessori teachers play a pivotal role in the overall development of children. Let us see what it takes to make a great Montessori teacher.

This method was created by Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. She observed human development from birth to adulthood and designed an approach to support the development by giving children the structure and tools they need to be successful inside and outside the classroom.

Unlock your passion for education and shape young minds as a Montessori teacher!

How do Montessori Classrooms Operate?

Montessori classrooms are visible different from the traditional ones. These classrooms are prepared to provide a calming and natural environment to the children. The teacher’s desk which one can find in the traditional classrooms, a teacher who commands the classroom, children seated at specific places are some of the things you will never find in a Montessori classroom.

Let us have a look at the features that make Montessori classrooms stand out:

Multi Age Classroom

Montessori classrooms are multi aged, which means the younger ones will be mingling with those a little older than them. This type of environment helps bring out the best in them. The younger ones learn by observing the older ones, while the older ones acquire the qualities of leadership and mentoring by helping the younger ones. This prepares them for their future as they will have to get along with several age groups at their work place.

Montessori Materials

In traditional classrooms, importance is given to texts and rote memorization whereas Montessori classrooms focused on hands-on experience where children learn by doing. The children have the freedom to use their learning materials and learn without being continuously monitored. This helps develop their abstract skills. They can control how they use them, which gives them time to learn at their own pace and figure things out.

Trained Montessori Teachers

Montessori trained teachers, also called guides, are dedicated educators who constantly find innovative ways of  keeping the children engaged.

Uninterrupted Work Period

All children are not the same. Montessori method recognizes this and gives each and every child the freedom to work at their own pace without interruption.

Learning From Peers

The multi age classrooms promote mingling of students of mixed ages. This helps children collaborate and learn by teaching or observing others.

Overall development of Children

Montessori method gives importance to the overall development of a child. Instead of using quick fix methods like rewards and punishments, it deals with methods that make children think logically and help make the right choice. Montessori classrooms help children build social and emotional skills that will help through out their life.

Qualities of a Good Montessori Teacher

Montessori teachers are specially trained to guide the young minds. They are called Guides.

1. Children tend to learn from what they see and hear. A good Montessori teacher is the one who becomes a role model to the students through their behavior and communication.
2. Montessori teachers have a thorough understanding of how children develop and learn. They use this knowledge to create lessons and activities for students.
3. The teacher is empathetic and friendly towards the student and treat each student with respect.
4. They encourage social-emotional development by using positive discipline strategies
5. They are knowledgeable and sensitive to the culture and needs of the children.
6. A good Montessori teacher observes each and every child and acts accordingly.
7. Children grasp things better through hands on experience. A good teacher creates an environment to keep the students engaged and silently observe their progress.

Unlock your passion for education and shape young minds as a Montessori teacher!