“Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.”

– Chinese Proverb

A child learns about factors by manipulating groups of pegs.

One of the definitive aspects of Montessori education is the prominence of manipulation and concrete materials in its educational methodology.  Dr. Montessori was keenly aware of the importance of sensorial manipulation in the acquisition of knowledge, and was a pioneering advocate for its effectiveness in education.

Hands-on learning in a Montessori classroom is not strictly limited to the requisite classroom materials.  Children benefit deeply from any learning opportunity that engages both hands and minds.  When knowledge is used to solve problems, effectively complete practical tasks, or even make something beautiful, it is given meaningful context and consequent, lifelong impact.

Children apply measurement to baking. Delicious!

Learning By Doing  Mathematical measurement, for example, comes to life in the classroom through activities such as baking.  In the process of making an apple crisp to recognize Canadian Thanksgiving, children exercised essential skills in measuring volume with precision. As well, they had the opportunity to actively build teamwork, communication and social skills, as they worked with others who possessed different personalities and abilities.

Finding geometry in our classroom.

Finding What Works  The flexibility of the Montessori learning environment enables children who respond to different learning methods to successfully grasp concepts.  For example, some children enjoyed learning about types of lines by cutting and manipulating a piece of string.  Others enjoyed using their knowledge of lines to create artistic and geometrically accurate, labelled drawings.  With other children, finding lines in the environment and digitally photographing them to record their findings resonated.

Applying geometry to our artwork!

In all cases, the children found meaningful, individually relevant ways to express and apply their knowledge. One size definitely does not fit all, and the Montessori way of learning makes it possible for each child to find what works for himself or herself.

By connecting academic concepts to meaningful experiences, by integrating lessons into the children’s daily lives, we go beyond studying for the sake of a good grade or a correct answer, and instead facilitate true understanding and lifelong learning.

OTHER NEWS:

November 2011 Lesson Themes Overview –  Please CLICK HERE to view the LEU November 2011 Lesson Themes Overview.

Happy Trails, Isabella!  – The LEU class was sad to have Isabella end her brief stay at MBTS in October.  Isabella has since moved to Miami, Florida.  Isabella, the entire class wishes you  and your family all the best!