Implementing the Montessori Method

Contents Foreword Erica Moretti  xi Acknowledgments  xiii 1.  Introduction  1 2.  Overview of Montessori Education  4 Dr. Maria Montessori  4 The Learner: Human Development and Flourishing  6 Three Theoretical Models of Human Development  9 The Adult in the Classroom  18 3.  Montessori 0–3 Environments  23 Two 0–3 Classroom Vignettes  23 The Infant-Toddler in the 0–3 Montessori Classroom  27 Environmental Response to Developmental Needs (0–3)  31 How the 0–3 Montessori Classroom Supports Physical Development  32 How the 0–3 Montessori Classroom Supports Cognitive Development  38 How the 0–3 Montessori Classroom Supports Character Development—Purpose and Social Intelligence  39 The Role of the Adult in the 0–3 Classroom  42 4.  Montessori 3–6 Classrooms  46 The Child in the 3–6 Classroom  47 Environmental Response to Developmental Needs  49 How the 3–6 Montessori Classroom Supports Physical Development  55 How the 3–6 Montessori Classroom Supports Cognitive Development  58 How the 3–6 Montessori Classroom Supports Character Development—Kindness and Curiosity  64 The Role of the Adult in the 3–6 Classroom  68 5.  The Montessori 6–12 Classrooms  72 Two 6–12 Classroom Vignettes  72 The Elementary Student in the 6–12 Classroom  76 Environmental Response to Developmental Needs (6–12)  77 How the 6–12 Montessori Classroom Supports Physical Development  84 How the 6–12 Montessori Classroom Supports Cognitive Development  86 How the 6–12 Montessori Classroom Supports Character Development—Grit and Gratitude  91 The Role of the Adult in the 6–12 Classroom  94 6.  Montessori 12–18 Classrooms (Middle and High School)  100 Two Adolescent Classroom Vignettes: Middle School and Secondary  101 The Adolescent Student in the 12–18 Classroom  107 Environmental Response to Developmental Needs (12–18)  110 How the 12–18 Montessori Classroom Supports Physical Development  111 How the 12–18 Montessori Classroom Supports Cognitive Development  113 How the 12–18 Montessori Classroom Supports Character Development—Judgment and Proactivity  116 The Role of the Adult in the 12–18 Classroom  119 Montessori Alumni Reflections  122 7.  Expanding Our View: The Montessori Ecosystem  126 Closing and Next Steps in Montessori Education  130 References  133 Appendix: Montessori Constellation  143 Index  147 About the Authors  153