How Montessori Method Motivates Children and Guides them toward Natural Development

A child’s inner self is enriched with its own characteristics and capabilities that are different from an adult’s – Montessori Method of education is based on the unique qualities of children and focuses more on students’ learning rather than on teachers’ teaching

Montessori – the modern educational movement toward natural learning
Encouraging teachers to view students and the classroom environment in a different manner than traditional education setting, Montessori Method of education is a modern system of educating children. Here, the focus is more on recognizing and respecting every child’s individual differences, and encouraging the children to learn according to their unique capacity and interests.

A nurturing environment that promotes social interaction and bolsters emotional skills is prepared, enabling coaching and facilitating individual child’s learning by regular observation and evaluation.

How children learn through several unique stages
Every child has unique developmental stages in life. Each one different from the other, these stages require slightly different coaching strategy. The first one occurring between birth and the age of six is crucial – it is during this period that children acquire language skills and they begin experiencing things in the world for the first time. A child develops the capability to differentiate others from self, and develops ego.

In the second stage that occurs between the age of six and twelve, children start developing the capability of abstract reasoning and independent thought. Desire for emotional and social interaction with others appears in this stage. This stage is followed by the last stage in development, namely, adolescence.

Children need to be guided with materials and methods that suit to the particular developmental stage they are in. Montessori teachers are expected to motivate children to experience and learn through experiences that align with the respective stages.

Montessori Method of education and Motivation of Children
Being encouraged to make their own decision since their young age, Montessori children develop the capability to make choices effectively and are adept in managing their time. They learn to work both as a group and as individuals. They are more adaptable and freely exchange ideas; they have better communication skills and are able to discuss freely with others about their work.

Children are motivated to develop such skills and habits in a Montessori classroom that prove good throughout their life. What they learn here helps them in being more efficient, observing things in a more careful manner, and focus better on everything that they are involved with.

The foundation of learning qualities and the practical and prepared environment in which children develop in the Montessori Method ensure that when in a stimulating setting, wherever they are, their education process continues.

Sense of self-esteem has been proven to be the most important factor in predicting future success of human beings. Montessori programs, with their non-competitive, self-directed activities, enable children to develop confidence and good self image that are essential to meet challenges with optimism.