Montessori children receive more individual attention than in any other system of education. Stories, Montessori materials, charts, timelines, natural objects, cultural “treasures” from around the world, and sometimes conventional tools replace standard textbooks. Guided by the teacher, students actively participate in planning their time and taking responsibility for their work to the degree appropriate for their developmental levels. So, what is the role of the teacher in a Montessori classroom?
At first glance, you might notice children very focused on their work without a teacher close at hand—and definitely not in front lecturing. This doesn’t happen by chance. Actually, the teacher as guide has been a dynamic link between the materials and the child. Always a student of their students, teachers make informed decisions about which materials will keep children progressing in each avenue. The classroom is prepared so that learners have the freedom to learn at their own pace!
“The essential thing is for the task to arouse such an interest that it engages the child’s whole personality.” ~Maria Montessori
Acting as guide, the Montessori teacher doesn’t seek to pour knowledge into a child but instead works to give each learner developmentally-appropriate tools for exploration of the world. Typically guiding the children for the entirety of their time in a grouping, whether it be their several years at Children’s House, Lower Elementary, or Upper Elementary, teachers devote themselves to observing and getting to know the student.
Because a Montessori teacher embraces the importance of understanding each child’s developmental needs at every stage, their learners are given what they need, when they need it. And whenever needs are anticipated, recognized, and met the whole child flourishes. That fulfillment transcends the walls of a classroom to transform the world beyond.
“It is through appropriate work and activities that the character of the child is transformed. Work influences his development in the same way that food revives the vigor of a starving man. We observe that a child occupied with matters that awaken his interest seems to blossom, to expand, evincing undreamed-of character traits; his abilities give him great satisfaction, and he smiles with a sweet and joyous smile.”