Why Are Montessori Materials Special?
Why Are Montessori Materials Special?
Maria Montessori believed in the importance of using nature to aid children’s development, which is why her educational materials reflect this philosophy. Montessori education is unique in nurturing a child's growth, and at the heart of this method are the specialized materials that inspire a love for learning and facilitate comprehension of complex concepts.
The Evolution of Montessori Materials
Traditionally, high-quality Montessori materials were available only from reputable companies like Nienhuis, known for their beautiful and authentic products. While these premium materials offered exceptional quality, their high price often posed a barrier. Thankfully, over the last decade, these valuable resources have become more accessible and affordable. This change means my online tutoring students can now enjoy the extensive benefits of Montessori mathematics—all from the comfort of home!
However, as authentic materials became more available, cheap imitations began to flood the market, creating confusion for well-intentioned parents seeking the best for their children.
5 Traits of Authentic Montessori Materials
1. Isolation of Difficulty: Each Montessori material serves a specific educational purpose, allowing children to understand abstract concepts through tangible experiences. For example, these two materials were designed for babies to practice the permanence of objects, but only one isolates the difficulty of the task.
2. Control of Error: Montessori materials are designed to be self-correcting. As children engage with these tools, they learn through exploration and problem-solving, fostering independence. This feature builds confidence as kids identify and rectify their mistakes without adding shame to the mix.
3. Progressive Complexity: Montessori materials are carefully designed to teach single concepts while forming part of a larger progression. Once a child fully understands one material, they are ready to advance to the next. In mathematics, this thoughtful progression continues until children move to abstraction. One of my favourite moments is seeing the pride on my students’ faces when they outgrow a material—it’s a true testament to their hard work and accomplishment!
4. Precise and Aesthetic: Montessori observed that children are drawn to harmony and beauty. The materials are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and precisely constructed, occupying a vital place in the Montessori curriculum continuum. Take the humble pink tower, for example, children get exposed to this material for the first time as toddlers. The sides of the smallest cube measure exactly one centimeter and increase one centimeter at a time until the biggest one has a 10 centimeter side. That alone makes the pink tower special. However, when you realize that there are several other materials that match this progression with precision then you start seeing why the Montessori Method is so good. This precision creates a profound connection to other materials, revealing deeper mathematical principles—even surprising children when they revisit these concepts years later!
5. Encouraging Active Learning: In Montessori education, children are active participants in their learning journeys. The hands-on nature of Montessori materials promotes engagement, leading to deep and lasting understanding—far beyond only memorization.
Applying Montessori Principles in Online Tutoring
In my small group and personalized online Montessori math tutoring sessions, I leverage the principles of authentic Montessori Materials to provide a comprehensive and enriching learning experience.
I understand that each family has unique needs and budgets, so I offer the flexibility to choose between digital adaptations, DYI and traditional physical Montessori materials. This way, you can select the option that best suits your financial situation while still providing your child with a quality Montessori education.
If you're curious about how my Montessori tutoring can transform your child's math experience, don’t hesitate to contact me today for a personalized assessment!