Report RE: MONTESSORI and outdoor play

Original Post

by: Saffron

Montessori was the first educator to introduce the scientific method of observation into education, so you can blame her for all the reports/ observations you have to write. Montessori was also the educator who redesigned the environment to be child friendly. Small tables and chairs, low sinks etc and most importantly she made shelving low so that children could reach the books and learning materials. At her time children were expected to sit in desks where they could not turn around or move much and they were expected to sit and listen to their teacher. She introduced the idea that children should be free to move around the classroom and choose their own activities. Many of the learning materials used in pre-schools today are variations of her original designs. Also montessori children are supposed to be free to choose what they are interested in working on and for how long so the practice you describe is not in the spirit of Montessori's intention. Also perhaps the most important aspect of Montessori's approach is practical life skills. This includes maintaining the environment both indoor and outdoor and children lean everyday skills such as using tools, sweeping up, gardening etc. Outdoor play was extremely important to Montessori who wanted all her schools to have a garden where children could spend time exploring and learning. Ideally the children would learn to grow and care for plants and vegetables. The conception that the Montessori method is too rigid/disciplined results from a misapplication of her ideas and a misunderstanding of her method. I recommend reading the books she wrote herself and not second hand interpretations. I cannot answer your question about the EYFS etc as I live in Ireland and we have a completely different early years system (i.e. none).

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