Kara Bailey E Portfolio

Emphasising Social Cohesion

Posted by karajbailey in Montessori Inspired

Social cohesion is achieved in a Montessori elementary classroom by ensuring multi-age groupings include students that are different: abilities, genders, personalities and developmental levels; this allows the classroom environment to function more like that of a community allowing all of the children to perform different aspects for the good of the whole. The structured freedom of the classroom environment invites students to look to their peers for: assistance performing difficult activities, the opportunity to practice newly acquired skills, recognition, socialization, and behavioural models. The teacher’s role in ensuring social cohesion…read more

Oct.11

The Art of Observation

Posted by karajbailey in Montessori Inspired

To watch over a classroom environment means to carefully observe all of its aspects and contents with a critical eye. The teacher should be constantly monitoring the individual development and progress of each child and using this information to assess student learning, provide support or challenges. The teacher should be observing not only the child’s verbal interactions with other children but also their non-verbal interaction with the materials in the environment; it is the teacher’s task to consciously make note of significant changes in development or behaviour and decide on…read more

Oct.11

The Prepared Environment

Posted by karajbailey in Montessori Inspired

The composition of any learning environment is crucial for student success. An ideal learning environment, Montessori describes, should include materials that promote the correct kind of stimulation; materials in a Montessori classroom are designed to be easily accessible for all children, visually appealing and developmental stage appropriate while also including a control of error to ensure that the child can be independently successful after an initial introduction to the material from an adult. The classroom itself is designed to be orderly, beautiful, and child-focused. Montessori designed her first Casa dei…read more