Kara Bailey E Portfolio

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

Oct.06

Nurturing Respect and Love of Nature

Posted by karajbailey in Pedagogy

Fostering a love of the environment is critical for moulding students who are aware of and comfortable in the natural world. Environmental education allows children to view themselves within the larger context of the world, as one aspect of a complex ecosystem, which contrary to common belief is not human centred. Children are given the opportunity to learn nurturing behaviours in an environment which promotes their physical health and growth while also developing important motor skills. Children learn important knowledge in the classroom but they also thrive when separated from…read more