Creative Learning for Children: The Montessori Learning Approach

Maria Montessori, the woman behind this learning method has a fascinating past and embarked on an inspirational journey, advocating for a more empathetic approach to children and their learning.   

The founding principles (see below) can be seen in many creative teaching approaches today, especially in the Early Years Foundation Stage.  

Creative Montessori learning approaches are filled with empathy and the understanding that we need to be more open to the socio-emotional dynamics in the classroom. Maria’s work increased the educational profession’s awareness of the effect this has on a class of children as a whole, as well as each individual learner.  

Principles of the creative learning Montessori method

 Principles of the creative learning Montessori method 

The most noticeable element of the Montessori approach is the focus on independence for the children.  

Much of the Montessori method relies on observation before action. This places the teacher very much in the role of facilitator, removing the idea of a teacher stood at the front of the class instructing them with facts and direction.  

There is a shift in mindset that comes with the different creative teaching approach and the teacher is required to ‘let go’ of total control and become guided by the children.  

The key principles of the theory include: 

• Independence- enabling children in achieving through their own skills and knowledge 
• Observation- learning to understand through what we can see in the child’s behaviour 
• Following the Child- learning to respond to the child’s actions 
• Correcting the Child- support them through making mistakes to learn 
• Prepared Environment- activities designed for freedom and choice 
• Absorbent Mind- learning from their environment and experiences 

 (Taken from Daily Montessori, follow the link for more information) 

By following the key principles, the teacher or tutor can better support the child in their learning and development.  

What are the benefits of the Montessori method?

Creative Montessori learning approaches allow for more empathy throughout the learning process from how assessments are completed to how this then translates into the teacher’s response to the child’s learning needs.  

There is more time allowed for innovation and development of creative ideas. There is also the freedom to respond to problems and showing the learner that they will find the answer within themselves. 

While the most common age to see the influences of the Montessori Method are in the Early Years Foundation Stage, the methods are adapted appropriately for all ages. The older age groups tend to learn in much smaller groups than most children experience in Key stage 2 and 3 mainstream British schools. They commonly follow a structure where there is some guidance by the teacher. This is then followed by time to freely explore and respond to the guidance- alongside an emphasis to take their learning beyond their classroom (Ruhl 2021).  

The core belief in the power of instilling a love of learning in the children through these creative learning approaches is evident in each of the founding principles. A way of approaching education that empowers the child at the heart of the learning experience and shows them that they have everything within them to be successful, with a little teacher guidance to support them along the way.  

This method actively builds resilience and maintains a sharp focus on the wellbeing of the child through a holistic view of the student. This shows them how they are growing as a whole individual as well as a learner.  

How can we adopt the creative Montessori method at home?

Take a moment to reflect on what you do for your child. Consider the actions you take to facilitate your child on getting to school, for example.  

Write a list of jobs that only includes what you do to instruct or act on behalf of your child.  

Then talk to any other adults involved in the morning routine and add their actions to the list too.  

You may have a very long list, or it may be relatively short but whatever there is on the list, spend some time being critical of yourself (not too harshly please parents- no parental guilt trip required for this activity!) and ask yourself if you need to do it. Often, as parents, we do it because there is an element of speed required. This is particularly true for morning routines. However, taking the Montessori approach to the morning routine requires you to think about what jobs your child is capable of doing themselves.  

For example, getting your child dressed. Again, for speed, this may be something you as a parent does for your child. However, some children may be able to do this themselves. Instead of dressing your child, take on a role as a facilitator and take a back seat. Provide your child with what they need to get dressed.  This could be visual timetables, lists, or images of what is required to be ready in their school uniform. It could be putting the uniform on a chair so that the child knows which clothes to put on.  

The idea is to giving the child responsibility and allowing them to develop a skill while building confidence and self-esteem through empowering them with independence and trust to get the job done.  

You may need to spend some time at the weekend where your child can have more time to practice the skills required so you’re not feeling the time pressure yourself and inevitably having to step in and complete the task. This would undo the good work you’d both put in and only serve to make you feel frustrated too.  

Start with the morning jobs and explore how to change how you approach them. Let this settle and embed in your routine before exploring other parts of the daily routine or learning opportunities. Keep it light, give it time and see where you end up! 

One to one tutoring: using the Montessori approach

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the Montessori creating learning approach and how you can adopt this approach at home, but how do we use it with our one to one tutoring? 

Taking the creative Montessori approach to learning, helps children to reach their full learning potential. It allows children the freedom to grow, whilst giving them the independence needed to be successful. through our role as educator as facilitators, observers, and preparers of the educational space.  

Our one to one tutoring with creative learning approaches includes elements from the founding principles of the Montessori method.  

Get in touch with the Limitless Learning team to find out how we use our knowledge of educational theories to select the most effective teaching tools for each of our Limitless Learners.  

References: 

Ruhl , C. (2021, June 29). Montessori method of education. Simply Psychology. www.simplypsychology.org/montessori-method-of-education.html