1At the end of the 9th century and the beginning of the 20th century, maria montessori, the first Italian female doctor of medicine, established the early education system of Montessori.

Some early education ideas advocated by her, such as respecting children's nature, seem common now, but in the society 100 years ago, such views can be said to be very bold. Because in the social concept at that time, children were no different from small animals in intelligence and could entertain adults at will. Even children from poor families can't get any protection in their living environment, let alone education.

At that time, Montessori worked in a hospital, so the origin of Montessori's early education was to study children from a medical perspective. Later, Montessori School enrolled some orphans and underprivileged children with no education at all. From these educations, she discovered the basic laws of children's cognitive and mental development.

What are the characteristics of Montessori early education?

1, rich teaching AIDS and specific space

Montessori attaches great importance to "learning in games", so that children can learn independently from interesting games through "learning in games" and cultivate their concentration and patience. And all kinds of Montessori professional teaching AIDS are the materials prepared by children for "entertaining".

Nowadays, many early education centers are under the banner of "Montessori Mathematics" because Montessori theory can make good use of teaching AIDS in mathematics teaching, such as multiplication boards and score boards. But correspondingly, Montessori's early education is relatively weak in the field of art teaching.

At the same time, it also needs a good and safe play space, because Montessori advocates respect for children, and children should have independent self-space. Adults only need to ensure that the space is safe enough, suitable for children's physical characteristics, and can ensure children to explore freely.

2. Freedom and law

Montessori advocated the free development of children, but at the same time he also attached great importance to discipline. Montessori's freedom is freedom within certain rules, not laissez-faire understood by some people.

For example, one of Montessori's characteristics, "silent education", requires teachers not to disturb children when using teaching AIDS, and its root is respect for children. But at the same time, teachers should keep a sense of order, for example, after using the teaching AIDS, they should tidy up and return to their places, and others should wait when using them.

3. Prohibit "excessive fantasy"

Montessori advocates weakening children's excessive fantasy, does not advocate telling fairy tales and does not encourage fantasy role-playing games. The purpose is to let children distinguish between "reality" and "fairy tales". For example, if you choose a picture book, animals and people can't talk, but animals can talk.

Some educators in China have pointed out that children's "fantasy state" is abnormal. In fact, this kind of children's life experience is not called excessive fantasy, but psychologically called "pretend game", which is the rule for children to learn and experience the real world in games. This state is completely different from the escapism of adults. Prohibiting "excessive fantasy" is also an educational viewpoint that Montessori lags behind modern science.

4. Induction period

Now many people often say that the theory of "sensitive period" comes from Montessori. Montessori believes that each sensitive period corresponds to a special sensitivity, which is a temporary feature of children's development. Once they acquire a certain quality, this sensitivity will disappear. Therefore, in the sensitive period, a specific quality is obtained with short-term stimulation and help. Once the child's internal needs are constrained, there will be various negative reactions, such as "losing his temper".

Simply put, it is best to develop certain abilities in a certain period, such as sports development, language ability, social ability and so on. If you miss it, you can make it up, but you should make it up slowly.

But now some people exaggerate the role of sensitive period too unilaterally, which is also a misunderstanding.

5. Mixed-age education

Mixed age is also an important feature of Montessori, which gives children of different ages the opportunity to imitate and learn from each other.

At the same time, children can feel the difference of different ages in advance, and it is easier to understand the social interpersonal relationship in the future, especially in a country with human feelings like China. This kind of education is very useful.

Is Montessori education suitable for your children?

Montessori education was originally born from medical research on children, so the whole teaching system has a mechanistic side, with certain rules and models, emphasizing "learning in games", advocating "silent education", playing quietly and letting children take the lead. Therefore, the Montessori system is more suitable for children who are very focused on objects and like to study and ponder on their own.

For shy and introverted children, especially girls, they may benefit more from Montessori education. If a child is extroverted, lively and active, or has some artistic talent and romantic imagination, it may not be suitable for Montessori's method. It can't be said that the children behind can't receive Montessori education at all, but the simple Montessori education may not be conducive to giving play to the advantages of these children.