| A number of quotations from Maria Montessori will | | | | other factors that contribute to a secure and |
| give you a clue of what the Montessori method is | | | | comfortable existence. The second fundamental |
| all about. For many parents, having the right | | | | need is spiritual in nature. When all the basic needs |
| information about Montessori education is crucial | | | | are provided, humans have a desire for artistic, |
| before sending kids to school. Here are some | | | | cultural, social and religious expression and |
| basic facts you might be interested in. | | | | interaction. |
| Peace Education | | | | Role of the Teacher |
| The concepts of principles of Montessori stand | | | | A Montessori educator is more than just a |
| out. Among those that are truly distinctive are | | | | teacher. In the classroom she is considered a |
| the drive for total child education and cosmic | | | | directress. The first duty of the directress is to |
| awareness. One other educational thrust that is | | | | build a classroom environment that encourages |
| truly commendable is education for peace. Both | | | | learning. This is not all though. The educator also |
| the educator and the child become whole | | | | stands as the primary role model for the students |
| individuals who encourage lasting peace. This is a | | | | to emulate. This puts an additional responsibility on |
| prime concept that has earned Montessori the | | | | the shoulders of teachers. They are tasked to |
| admiration of the world for which she became a | | | | first understand and integrate the basic principles |
| nominee for the Nobel Prize. Apparently though, | | | | of Montessori education to become changed |
| teaching the promotion of peace may not always | | | | individuals who can become real models. |
| be the uncomplicated. | | | | Role of the Child |
| Human Needs | | | | The teacher as director is not a dictator. On the |
| There are many activities, ways and means to | | | | contrary she will have to reduce instances of |
| push towards peace education. One important | | | | interference. A Montessori teacher is primarily an |
| component however is the fundamental needs of | | | | observer. This is in support of the concept that |
| humans. Montessori believed that all humans share | | | | children have the freedom of choice to learn in a |
| common basic needs which, when met, help open | | | | manner and through activities that fit his |
| the doors for human freedom, respect, | | | | inclinations. In this way, no child is forced into an |
| cooperation and environmental accountability which | | | | uncomfortable and difficult situation. |
| are crucial for genuine peace. | | | | As mentioned, the fundamental needs of humans |
| Fundamental needs are divided into two. Humans | | | | and other Montessori principles cannot be learned |
| start off with material needs. As you may have | | | | instantly. By going through this brief primer, |
| already guessed this includes more than just food | | | | however, you have begun understanding what |
| and clothing. Humans also need shelter, safety and | | | | Montessori stood for. |