How Teachers Use Montessori Materials: A Peak Inside Montessori Teacher Training
A child watches intently as the teacher traces a sandpaper letter. She softly says the sound the letter makes after tracing. Then, the teacher smiles and invites the child to try. Proudly, the child repeats the teacher’s actions exactly. Though the teacher barely spoke, the instructions were clear.
This is one small glimpse into the world of Montessori materials and lessons. Montessori materials help children explore academic and practical life subjects in hands-on ways. Children can explore complex math ideas using Montessori math beads. Or, they can explore the anatomy of birds through puzzles. Each material and lesson helps children explore the world around them. What are Montessori materials and how to children learn from them? Read on to learn more.
What Are Montessori Materials?
Montessori materials are specially designed objects and activities used for learning. Many of these materials were designed by Maria Montessori herself. Others are simply inspired by her work. During Montessori teacher training, teachers learn all about Montessori materials, how to use them, and how to give lessons using them.
All true Montessori materials share certain characteristics. Montessori materials:
Teach One Concept
Montessori materials isolate one concept for children to learn. For example, the Pink Tower teaches children about size and quantity. To isolate this concept, all of the blocks are the same color and shape. The only thing that changes is the size of the blocks. This highlights the differences in size. Similarly, there are Montessori materials that teach color, differences in smell, differences in taste, and more. Each material focuses on one concept.
Involve the Senses
Another way Montessori materials are special is that they involve the senses. For example, children learn the shapes of letters by tracing sandpaper letters. Using their fingers, children gently trace each letter.
Nearly all Montessori materials involve the tactile sense. Children move objects and touch them or trace them to learn the concept. For example, when counting, children use wooden dowels. Or, they might count glass marbles. Either one offers a rich sensory experience.
Control of Error
When children complete a Montessori activity, they know if they’ve done it correctly without asking the teacher. This is because there is a control of error. For example, children can use math charts to check their addition problems. Or, children can check whether they’ve put the red rods in order using the smallest rod.
The control of error helps children take pride in checking their own work. In the Montessori classroom, children naturally want to do things well. When they can check their own work, they feel empowered and independent.
Made of Beautiful, Natural Materials
Montessori materials are made of real, natural materials such as wood, glass, fabric, and metal, among others. The natural materials offer many benefits to children. One benefit is the sensory experience. Another is that materials like glass and ceramics are breakable, meaning they need to use them with care.
Fit into a Sequence
Finally, Montessori materials teach concepts in order. For example, children learn the concepts of size and quantity before learning numbers. Or, children learn letter sounds before practicing writing and reading.
Each material helps children move in a logical order to more challenging concepts. This is highlighted very well in the math curriculum. Children learn to perform operations like adding and subtracting with concrete objects that represent quantities. Once children have mastered that, they can add and subtract abstractly using a pencil and paper.
What Is a Montessori Lesson?
During a Montessori lesson, teachers present Montessori materials. The lesson includes everything from pulling the materials off the shelf to cleaning up and putting everything away.
Montessori lessons are also called “presentations.” During a lesson or presentation, the teacher shows children how to use the materials. After a presentation, children are free to use the materials again independently.
Some Montessori lessons also feature extensions. These are more challenging uses of the materials. For example, after a child can name the continents on the world puzzle map, they might trace each continent on paper and color them in. Each material has specific lessons and extensions.
One popular Montessori lesson is the three period lesson. It is used for several different concepts. All Montessori teachers learn this lesson so they can use it whenever needed.
During in-person or online Montessori teacher training, soon-to-be teachers spend a lot of time learning about the materials and lessons. Sometimes, teachers create albums where they write down detailed descriptions of each material, the steps to each lesson, and its extensions.
Montessori Teaching: Key Features
Montessori teaching is different from traditional teaching. How? The focus is on the child and the materials. Here’s a little taste of what you can learn through in-person, hybrid, or online Montessori teacher training.
Start with an Invitation
In the Montessori philosophy, children have the freedom to choose what activities and lessons they want to do. While there are rules in the Montessori classroom, children also make more decisions.
For this reason, every Montessori lesson begins with an invitation. The teacher invites the child to try a new activity. Teachers ensure the child is ready for the activity and has already mastered any concepts they need to know ahead of time. The teacher may also consider the child’s interests and whether or not they are in a sensitive period related to the topic of the lesson.
Then, the child decides whether or not they’re ready for the lesson. If the child is not ready, the teacher can invite them to the lesson another time.
Show More, Talk Less
When presenting materials, teachers may only say a few words. The focus is on the materials, actions, and concepts. Some lessons require more talking, but less is better. This helps children build their concentration. Children can focus on the materials and concepts without being distracted by talking.
Any language used by the teacher is very intentional. This helps children know to pay attention when the teacher does talk. For example, when learning about textures, the teacher and student touch different textures. The teacher only uses adjectives to identify the textures such as “rough” and “smooth.”
Using the Materials Correctly
Montessori teachers work hard to learn the correct way to use the materials. This is important so that children can also learn to use the materials correctly.
When children use materials incorrectly, teachers remind children how to use them. If children continue to use materials incorrectly, they may be asked to put them away.
Follow the Child
Most importantly, teachers follow the child’s needs. By following the needs of the child, Montessori teachers ensure that children receive lessons at the right time.
Children are just like adults. They have interests, motivation, and feelings. Sometimes, they’re not in the mood for certain activities, and other times they are. By working with children’s natural rhythms and motivations, they can achieve more!
Montessori believed that all children want to learn. When given the right opportunities, all children want to learn to read, understand math, and explore the world around them. The Montessori classroom and lessons create the ideal space for learning.
Because children spend several years in the program, they have many opportunities to participate in lessons. Some children may spend several months focusing on language activities and focus on math or geography later. Montessori lessons give children the opportunity to focus on what interests them most. Over time, children cover all areas of the curriculum.
Learn About Montessori Materials and Lessons with Online Montessori Teacher Training
Are you ready to learn more about Montessori materials and how to use them with children? We offer many different Montessori teacher training courses and workshops ideal for educators, caregivers, and parents. If you’d just like to wet your feet, try our Introductory Course. For those looking for a more rigorous course that will delve deeper into Montessori materials, try our Montessori Early Childhood Advanced Course Hybrid (Online & In-Class).
By learning more about Montessori materials and lessons, educators and parents can help children reach their full potential. Many Montessori lessons don’t require fancy materials and can be completed with items you may have at home.
If you’re ready to start your Montessori journey, reach out! We’d love to learn more about your goals so that we can help you pick the best Montessori teacher training program for your needs. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
