The Montessori method : its contribution to the young child

Abstract

This study sets out to look into the writing and teaching of Montessori to show her great contribution to the education of young children. It aims to look into this traditional method of primary education and then to place it in the practical context of children's education as implemented today. As young children, in their early years show a variety of characteristics which make them natural and successful learners, yet for these to be progressed to the junior years, all those involved in their education have to understand the teaching and learning process. Some of the factors contributing towards this are :firstly the children themselves; approaching teaching from different angles in order to cater for their individual needs and to see that these needs are met; working with hands on materials that stimulate all the senses; going from concrete to the abstract; group/whole class work; and others - all of which make up the Montessori Curriculum. Furthermore it is intended to add a case study of a school that has officially declared itself as a Montessori School. Subsequently the task of the study would be to gauge what is being done and find out whether the Montessori Curriculum is being followed and implemented, from the results obtained