The Montessori Method Of Following A Child In The Classroom?

“Follow the child” is a key principle in Montessori education, which encourages parents to observe and respect their children’s pace and interests. The Montessori approach centers on the relationship between the child, the guide, and the prepared environment. In the 0-6 age group, following the child typically means observing the child in the classroom and using their interests and level of ability as a guide.

The Montessori philosophy emphasizes the importance of following the child as their leader, taking time to get to know them and observing them daily, weekly, and monthly. Key components of follow the child include observing, trusting in a child’s independence, resisting the urge to interrupt, and creating an engaging classroom environment.

The Montessori class is structured to offer a sense of security and the possibility of freely-chosen, purposeful activity. As a guide, the guide “follows the child” by observing them and helping connect them to the materials in the environment based on their interests and abilities. By applying the Montessori approach, trusting the child, and following their interests, educators can engage them in many ways.

Incorporating Montessori principles in the public school system involves creating an engaging classroom environment, individualized learning plans, and finding the time to slow down, stand back, watch the child, notice their actions, and listen to their words. This approach allows the educational program to meet the child’s needs and education at their pace and capability.

In summary, “Follow the child” is a core principle in Montessori education that encourages parents to observe and respect their children’s pace and interests. By following the child as their leader, educators can create an engaging classroom environment that supports optimal learning for children of all ages.


📹 Follow the Child: A Montessori Concept

There are many Montessori terms… And some may not be easy to understand… One such term is ‘FOLLOW THE CHILD’.


How to observe a child in the classroom?

Observation is a crucial method for early childhood educators to assess children’s development. It involves tracking their behavior, learning, reactions to new situations, and interactions. This information is used to create activities that promote skill growth, document their success, and reflect on their progress. Observation helps educators identify patterns, plan age-appropriate activities, gain insight into a child’s worldview, and provide opportunities to change the learning environment for growth.

The history of early childhood education explains the influences that have shaped the field. By observing children, educators can better understand their strengths and weaknesses, which can be used to improve the learning environment and facilitate learning. Overall, observation is a simple yet effective method for assessing young children’s growth and development.

How do you handle kids in Montessori?
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How do you handle kids in Montessori?

The Montessori perspective emphasizes the importance of using clear language to emphasize causality and encourage children to consider the natural consequences of their choices. This approach involves teaching the child what to do instead of taking something away, and illustrating and explaining the natural consequences of specific actions. To help a child develop inner discipline, four tips can be used:

  1. Use if-then phrasing to emphasize causality.
  2. Consistently set clear expectations to help the child understand what they need to do.
  3. Encourage the child to see patterns and choose behaviors that get the desired results.
  4. Validate a child’s emotions and emotions to validate their choices.

In summary, the Montessori perspective emphasizes the importance of using clear language, encouraging children to consider the natural consequences of their choices, allowing maximum freedom within a range of choices, and validating their emotions. By following these tips, parents can help their children develop inner discipline and develop a strong foundation for success in both the classroom and at home.

How to follow a child?

To gain insight into your child’s behavior and personality, take the time to observe them from a distance. This will not only provide valuable insights but also inform your parenting in unexpected ways. It’s important to remember that children often need more time than parents do, as they may need more time for preparation, falls, injuries, and unplanned events. By paying attention and learning about your child’s current state, you can gain valuable insights that can inform your parenting strategies. It’s essential to remember that the most important thing is to be present and attentive to your child’s needs and emotions, as they may need more time than you do.

What does it mean to follow the child?
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What does it mean to follow the child?

Montessori education emphasizes the importance of following the child, recognizing each child’s interests and activities. This approach allows the educational program to cater to each child’s needs and capabilities at their own pace. Teachers observe students in the classroom, guiding their exploration and considering individual interests. Montessori educators also monitor each student’s understanding and skill development. The philosophy of “Follow the child” dates back to the 1900s when Dr.

Maria Montessori opened her first childcare center in a socioeconomically depressed neighborhood of Rome. Through observation, she discovered that curiosity and interest drew young students into learning concepts at their own pace, leading to the birth of the Montessori philosophy.

What is the Montessori Golden Rule?
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What is the Montessori Golden Rule?

Montessori education is based on the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori, a medical doctor, teacher, philosopher, and anthropologist who observed a connection between children’s experiences and their educational experiences. The philosophy aims to encourage a love for learning that propels a child’s entire life. The Golden Rule, which emphasizes respectful behaviors, compassion, grace, courtesy, and manners, is a foundational tenet of a Montessori School.

The classrooms are designed to meet the needs of each child at each stage of development, with well-lit spaces, Montessori materials, purposeful technology, and engaging enrichment. This environment encourages independence, problem-solving skills, and self-discipline. Mixed-aged classrooms allow children to learn from one another, teach one another, and develop life skills such as inclusion and acceptance.

Montessori classrooms are peaceful due to their small group instruction, where teachers observe students and bring together those ready for a particular lesson. After a lesson, each child has time to practice a skill or explore an area. Advanced students are challenged to perform at their best, while struggling children receive extra support without negative effects on their self-esteem.

In a mixed-age environment, children learn with and from each other, growing into a community and practicing social skills daily.

How to talk to children in Montessori?

To effectively manage a child, it is essential to practice observing, staying quiet, and listening to both yourself and your child. Avoid expressing dismay or anger, and focus on being with your child rather than attempting to fix or problem-solve. Montessori classroom experience may not prepare parents for parenthood, as many teachers lack useful preparation. Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish’s book, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk, provides valuable parenting tools that can be applied in any setting and with everyone, not just children. By incorporating these strategies into your parenting toolkit, you can create a more nurturing and effective environment for your child.

What is not allowed in Montessori?
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What is not allowed in Montessori?

Montessori schools discourage the introduction of fantasy to young children under the age of 5 or 6, limiting their use of play kitchens, dress-up areas, and books featuring dragons and fairies. This has led to the misconception that Montessori education stifles imagination and creativity. However, this misconception is false. Fantasy and imagination are two separate concepts. Fantasy is stories and ideas drawn from a non-existent world, while imagination is the ability to conjure images or scenarios in one’s mind, separate from present sensorial input.

For example, a child pretending to be an eagle on the playground or playing “family” to practice modeled roles in their homes may not be as engaging as fantasy. Montessori education should focus on fostering creativity and imagination in children.

How does Montessori view the child?
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How does Montessori view the child?

Montessori education values each child as a unique individual and accommodates all learning styles. Students advance through the curriculum at their own pace, guided by a teacher and an individualized learning plan. Montessori students develop order, coordination, concentration, and independence from an early age, with classroom design, materials, and daily routines supporting self-regulation. The multi-age classroom, typically spanning three years, recreates a family structure, with older students serving as mentors and role models for younger children. Teachers model respect, loving kindness, and peaceful conflict resolution.

Montessorians believe that internal satisfaction drives a child’s curiosity and interest, leading to sustainable, joyous learning over a lifetime. Students are supported in becoming active seekers of knowledge, with teachers providing environments where they can pursue answers to their own questions. Self-correction and self-assessment are integral parts of the Montessori classroom approach, as students mature and become adept at recognizing, correcting, and learning from their errors.

Given the freedom and support to question, probe deeply, and make connections, Montessori students become confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners, capable of thinking critically, working collaboratively, and acting boldly, a skill set for the 21st century.

What is the role of the child in the Montessori classroom?

Montessori classrooms facilitate children’s autonomy in learning by providing them with a range of age-appropriate activities, which are designed and supervised by the teacher. They engage in both group and individual activities, thereby developing their maximum potential.

What is the follow the child method?

Montessorians place great emphasis on the necessity of adapting one’s approach to suit the individual child, on the understanding that children possess an inherent capacity for learning that can be nurtured and facilitated. It is their belief that it is their responsibility to prepare the path and provide assistance in navigating the learning process.

What is follow the child in Montessori?
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What is follow the child in Montessori?

As a Montessori parent, the famous quote “follow the child as his leader” means to allow the child to guide and support you. Maria Montessori believed that anyone who wants to follow her method should not honor her but follow the child as their leader. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of allowing the child to guide and support you, rather than imposing authority on you. It is important to remember that following your child is not a literal act, but rather a way to foster a nurturing environment.


📹 Meher Montessori School, “Maria Montessori-Follow the Child”

This is a history of Dr. Maria Montessori’s Method of education.


The Montessori Method Of Following A Child In The Classroom
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Rae Fairbanks Mosher

I’m a mother, teacher, and writer who has found immense joy in the journey of motherhood. Through my blog, I share my experiences, lessons, and reflections on balancing life as a parent and a professional. My passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom as I write about the challenges and blessings of raising children. Join me as I explore the beautiful chaos of motherhood and share insights that inspire and uplift.

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1 comment

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  • Thank you for your articles! What can I do to accept my childs interest? Is this in every case followable? What if my child is playing aggressively with the toys (cars, lego, sword…) He is a typical boy, when we play I am not able to see so much murder. He is not waching tv, but his interest is similar to those who are perusal all kinds of movies.How can I follow him (them, because I have 2 boys and the younger is playing nicely, until he meets his brother)

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