TheThree Montessori Principles
Montessorieducation expresses a commitment to three specific fundamental principles ofnature:
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Observe
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Individual
Liberty -
Preparation of the Environment
Observation
“Observation”—asa Montessori principle—is a total sensory awareness of an event or occurrence.Such profound sensory awareness by the adult is comparable to that of ascientist—open-minded, non-prejudicial, inquiring, humble, and patient.
Individual
Theadult’s commitment to “individual liberty” permits mistakes to occur inthe classroom.
Dr.Montessori observed that such complete freedom of choice for the child is vitalto enable such qualities as self-discipline and independence.
Preparationof the Environment
“Preparationof the environment” views the source of misbehavior in the child’senvironment. Thus, the Montessoriapproach to managing misbehavior and supporting the child’s inner psychicdevelopment is: “control theenvironment, not the child.” The“environment of the child consists of other children, the adult and thephysical objects around the child. Theadult’s own personality—attitudes, values, beliefs, feelings—is notablymost resistant to effective “preparation.”Dr. Montessori considered as vital the inner preparation of the adult.Integrity, courage, patience and humility are the foremost qualities ofan effective Montessori teacher.
Combiningthe Principles
Theeffective Montessori teacher applies these three principles with children as a“control of error” which effectively guides one in a creative process ofconscious disengagement from direct involvement with the child.Dr. Montessori viewed this process as “doing nothing.”She stated that “When I ask the child [what I can do to help him], heis so kind to answer me: ‘Personally, please, do nothing. You can do nothingdirectly for me.’”
