Mundo Montessori

The Montessori method is an educational philosophy developed by the Italian doctor Maria Montessori in the early 20th century. It is based on the belief that children learn best in an environment that supports and respects their natural development.El método Montessori es un enfoque educativo que permite a los niños aprender y desarrollarse a su propio ritmo, en un ambiente que promueve la independencia y el respeto por su desarrollo natural. Se basa en proporcionar un espacio estructurado y ordenado donde los niños tienen acceso a materiales educativos diseñados específicamente para ser manipulados y que son auto-correctivos. Esto fomenta el aprendizaje práctico y sensorial. Los educadores en este sistema actúan como guías, observando y asistiendo cuando es necesario, lo que permite a los niños tomar la iniciativa en su propio aprendizaje.

For Maria Montessori, education was a way of supporting the holistic development of children, preparing them to become independent and responsible adults. She believed that it should respect the individuality of each child and allow them to learn at their own pace and according to their interests. This approach manifests itself in a carefully prepared environment, with specific materials that encourage self-education and self-correction. Montessori focused education not only on academics, but also on emotional and social development, promoting autonomy and self-discipline as the basis for personal growth.

In the Montessori system, unlike a traditional educational system, a child learns through self-directed exploration and personal discovery in a structured environment that encourages independence. Children are free to choose activities of interest to them, allowing them to develop practical and cognitive skills at their own pace. In contrast to traditional teaching, which tends to be more directive and focused on uniform group instruction, the Montessori method focuses more on life skills such as self-discipline, problem solving, and collaboration. This not only fosters a love of learning, but also prepares children to face real challenges and cultivate effective interpersonal relationships.

A Montessori room should be a safe, welcoming space adapted to the scale of the child, promoting autonomy and independent learning. This space typically includes child-sized furniture, such as low beds for easy access, open shelves at their height with educational materials and toys organised in an orderly and accessible way. The design of the room encourages exploration and activity, with clearly defined areas for different activities, such as reading, playing or art. Colours tend to be neutral and materials are natural, creating a calm and distraction-free environment. In addition, safety is promoted by ensuring that all furniture is stable and that there are no items with which the child could be injured.

Montessori furniture is characterised by being accessible, safe and child-friendly to encourage independence and active learning. They include low, accessible beds that children can climb up and down on their own; low, open shelves that allow children to easily reach books and toys; small tables and chairs appropriate to their sizes, facilitating drawing, writing or play activities. Storage furniture with compartments and boxes at floor level is also common, allowing children to organise their materials and take care of their own space. This furniture is usually made of natural materials such as wood, and its design is simple and functional, without superfluous details that can distract or complicate its use.

Montessori beds are designed to be used by children as soon as they are ready to move from a cot to a bed, which is usually around 18-24 months of age. These beds are low to the ground, allowing children to climb in and out of them independently and safely. This type of bed encourages autonomy and confidence in children, as it allows them to have control over their sleep and movements during the night and day. In addition, being designed to be accessible, they minimise the risk of falls and help children feel more secure and comfortable in their transition from cot to bed.