Montessori methods were based on the following principles:
1. Freedom within limits.
Children are free to choose their own activities, but must follow the rules of the classroom and be respectful of others.
2. A prepared environment.
The classroom is organized to allow children to easily find materials
and to reduce the amount of time they spend searching for them. The teacher provides materials in a variety of ways, including storing materials in an organized manner, using labeled containers, and providing clearly marked work areas.
3- Respect for the child
The child in the Montessori method is respected, valued and loved. He is recognized as an independent being, capable of deciding for himself.
Respect is the fundamental key of this methodology, since the other principles are built on this base. Educators show respect for children when they try to do things independently and learn for themselves. When the child has options, he learns to develop the necessary skills to be independent and thus increase his self-esteem.
4.-The absorbing mind according to Montessori
Children begin to learn from the moment they are born as they absorb information from their environment. But it depends on the adults, which is what the child learns, since they can modify the experiences and environments in which children develop. The absorbent mind is one of the characteristics that the child has from the age of two. The child begins to take an interest in his surroundings and becomes more active.
The child has a sense of belonging to his family and begins to recognize himself as a member of it.
5. Sensitive periods in the Montessori method.
The Montessori method is based on the acquisition of knowledge by the child, through their own interests and motivations. It uses the child's ability to learn by himself, since he believes that the child is capable of learning everything he needs to live in society.
The child is a being capable of learning and teaching, but needs help to do so.
Montessori believed that there are sensitive periods when children can acquire certain knowledge more easily, and educators should support these sensitive periods with activities that help them polish these skills.
6.Self-education
Children are able to educate themselves if they have the materials available and the support of educators. They learn by themselves and develop their own creativity.
Children are motivated to learn if they can choose what they want to learn. The choice can be based on their interests, but also based on age and level of development.
7.-The role of educators
The role of educators according to the Montessori method must be a person who does not have prejudices or preconceived concepts about education. The teacher must observe and learn the children.
The principles of the Montessori method indicate that the educator must be a support for the child, but without her presence becoming an obstacle. That is, the educator must support the child when he needs help, present how an activity is carried out, but then leave the child to try it alone, so that he learns independently of this experience.
