The Montessori method is surely one of the most well-known and practised educational methodologies around the world. Developed by Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, this method focuses on the innate ability of children to learn and develop. Therefore, materials are designed and the environment is specifically prepared to enhance this natural capacity of children.

We have previously addressed this topic on our blog, but as this method is widely used today, we believe it deserves more content. Therefore, this time we bring you examples of practical application of the Montessori method in the classroom. Are you ready?

What is the Montessori method?

The Montessori method has some key characteristics that make it one of the most successful and admired methods in the educational field. Below are some of its main features to consider:

• Focus on discovery learning: as previously mentioned, the Montessori method seeks to enhance the innate ability of children to discover and learn. Therefore, it practises discovery learning, in which students learn from what they are doing and from practice.
• Specifically designed materials: in the application of the Montessori method in the classroom, specific materials are designed, which are usually sensory. These materials allow self-directed learning for children, learning through practical experience.
• Mixed-age groups: in the Montessori method, importance is given to the learning that children can acquire from each other, which is why having classes with different ages is advocated, generally spanning 3 years.
• Role of the teacher: in the Montessori method, the teacher guides and facilitates the learning of students, offering support when necessary, and addressing the individual educational needs they may have.
• Adaptation to individual learning pace: it is recognized that all children have different learning paces, and efforts are made to adapt activities and materials so that they can progress at their own pace.

Benefits of applying the Montessori method in the classroom

Working with the Montessori method in the classroom brings some benefits worth considering:

• Promotion of independence: students can work at their own pace, discovering different knowledge for themselves. This fosters their independence and autonomy in learning.
• Collaborative environment: materials designed according to the Montessori method promote collaborative work and a mutual learning environment where students help each other.
• Acquisition of practical life skills: the Montessori method encourages a learning style that allows the acquisition and development of essential skills for everyday life, such as social skills, communication skills, emotional skills, etc.

Examples of practical application of the Montessori method in the classroom in the early childhood stage

Early childhood is perhaps the stage where the Montessori method can bring the most benefits, as it fosters students’ curiosity and allows them the freedom to explore what interests them the most. Here are some ideas for practically applying the Montessori method in early childhood:

• Sensory corner: you can establish a corner of the classroom with various materials, with different colours, textures, and shapes. This will stimulate the children’s different senses, as each of the materials has a different sound, texture, colour, etc. As a teacher, you can guide children in identifying materials or in their correct use, but you should allow them the freedom to explore how to manipulate them themselves.

• Art and creativity: another way to apply the Montessori method in the classroom is to provide a space for children to develop their creativity. Provide materials such as paper, paints, watercolours, coloured pencils, clay, magazines, and you’ll see how their creativity flows! You can guide them in the use and application of these materials, but give them autonomy to choose how they want to express themselves artistically.

Examples of Practical Application of the Montessori Method in the Classroom in the Primary Stage

In the primary stage, there are also many ways to introduce the Montessori method to develop the curiosity of children. Let’s see some examples:

• Manipulative mathematics: a good way to apply the Montessori method in learning mathematics is to establish a series of materials that allow “touching” mathematics. That is, you can prepare some materials (such as marbles, number blocks, stones, puzzles, etc.) so that your students can solve problems in a practical way.

• Practical activities of daily life: another way to work following the Montessori method is to encourage your students to carry out activities related to daily life, such as organising space or taking care of plants, among other ideas. In addition, this type of activity can also be done at home, so learning in class has continuity at home.

• Reflection space: with the Montessori method, you can also develop the emotional skills of students. One way to do this is by establishing a space in the classroom dedicated to reflection and spending time with oneself. There can be a chair, some cushions, and some books or objects that can help your students have a moment of tranquillity if they need it. This will increase the emotional well-being of the students and give them tools to regulate their emotions if necessary.

Examples of practical application of the Montessori method in the secondary stage

Although the application of the Montessori method is better known in the early childhood and primary stages, it can also be applied in the secondary stage. Below are some examples of how we can do this:

• Mentorships: you can establish a mentoring system, where students from higher grades mentor students from lower grades. This is very useful, for example, in language learning, as it promotes greater peer learning. Mentors will be responsible for offering individualised support, which will develop their leadership skills and increase their sense of responsibility and belonging. Students who receive this mentoring will have support and develop social and communication skills.
• Development of entrepreneurial projects: in subjects such as Economics or Business, you can encourage your students to create their own entrepreneurial project, based on their interests. They will be responsible for carrying out the entire process so that this project can come to fruition, which will foster their creativity and innovative thinking.

Remember that you can record all activities you carry out in Additio App

If you decide to apply the Montessori method in the classroom, you can record all activities in Additio App. Whether creating activities in your assessment gradebook, detailing activities in the class planner, or sending resources to students, you have many possibilities that will help you in your teaching.

Do you have more ideas on how to apply the Montessori method in the classroom? We look forward to your proposals on our social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

Ciao!