MONTESSORI and outdoor play

MONTESSORI and outdoor play

by: Millie - 16-07-08 11:17

Hi there

 I am currently completing my Foundation Degree and would like some help with some questions I have in relation to the ethos behind Montessor and outdoor play.

At the Montessori settings I have visited all seem to have limited access to outdoor play as they seem to put much emphasis on something called "Montessori Time" which means all children stop what they are interested in to then sit down with a practitioner to do set tasks or activities? - This can be in the form of worksheets, special montessori activities, circle time

 Also when questioned, practitioners say that they rarely use the outdoor play area to deliver the 6 areas of learning as they feel that children can not concentrate on the set montessori tasks, therefore practitioners can not monitor the child's progress and achievement.

If you are a Montessori Practitioner, could you please let me know if this is your practice and also if you also provide some of the Montessori expected Learning outcomes to include those of the EYFS outside and how.

I would be really grateful for your help

 Thank you

by: Millie

Hi anybody out there who can help???

Could someone enlighten me as to how Montessori schools utilise the outdoors to cover the 6 areas of learning -I would be really grateful for your help

Thank you

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).

by: Saffron

P.S. If you find the book 'The Discovery of the Child' by Maria Montessori you should be able to find what you need in chapter three - 'the teaching methods employed in children's houses' - this chapter has a section on the environment and freedom to develop. Chapter four is called 'nature in education' and includes - the place of nature in education - their favorite work - and our garden. 

This book should be available in you library or it would not be expensive to buy. Bear in mind that Montessori lived from 1870 - 1952 and  her works are translated from Italian so the writing style may seem unusual.

by: Millie

Hi Saffron

Thank you so much for your response.  I have read a little about Maria Montessori and have been somewhat surprised how rigid some schedules have been in contrast to some of her beliefs with regards children's learning through experience.  Sometimes children are achieving really well through play which they have a huge interest in and then all of a sudden they are stopped to take part in something called "Montessori Time", whereby practitioners introduce set worksheets or activities and chart  their development in the 6 areas of learning.  For example one activity was a worksheet where they were comparing and matching.  The children had to colour in the correct match. Some of the children undertook the task, one poor lad looked bored with head on table (He had previously been playing in the sand pit, transporting and measuring) only to be taken away to do this set task.  Surely matching shapes, patterns and the likes can be undertaken in a much more interesting and stimulating way.  I though for 3 year olds we were passed the worksheet years and onto allowing children to learn through play.

Is this still the norm in most Montessor practices

 I am wondering how here in England Montessori practitioners will cope with the EYFS expectations of child led and initiated activities when so much emphasis of Montessori is put on the practitioner supplying the materials and supporting play.

by: Millie

Can someone from a Montessori setting help me as it will help my Foundation Degree final paper???

 Do any of you working in a Montessori setting have a free outdoor play policy allowing children to come and go as they please.    Does it work and how?

If you do not what stops you from doing this?

Please help if you can.  Thank you