Montessori and 21st Century Learning
The Montessori Program allows and encourages the principles of 21st Century Learning.
Students are encouraged to be creative and are given the tools for inquiry rather than the answers. The Montessori materials themselves allow students to explore, discover, create, and gain confidence as they take responsibility for their own learning (an important skill for the life long learner).
These are pictures of students in my Grade One class, using a few of the 21st Century Skills. (http://education.alberta.ca/media/6581166/framework.pdf)
Students are encouraged to be creative and are given the tools for inquiry rather than the answers. The Montessori materials themselves allow students to explore, discover, create, and gain confidence as they take responsibility for their own learning (an important skill for the life long learner).
These are pictures of students in my Grade One class, using a few of the 21st Century Skills. (http://education.alberta.ca/media/6581166/framework.pdf)
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving/Decision Making: To build my knowledge, I reflect on my own thinking and am open to new ideas. I can see the strengths and weaknesses of my own point of view and in the points of view of others. I believe in my ability to solve problems and make good decisions.
Creativity and Innovation: I can come up with original work and ideas. I appreciate the creativity of others. Making mistakes is okay because they help me learn, and result in better work. When things get challenging, I try not to give up because I know that this is part of learning, and life as I look for solutions.
As part of our Building Unit in Science, students built a house for either a stuffy or doll, using recycled materials. Students had to include 1-3 objects in the house that the animal/doll might need. They all completed their own project but regularly got feedback from each other.
Creativity and Innovation: I can come up with original work and ideas. I appreciate the creativity of others. Making mistakes is okay because they help me learn, and result in better work. When things get challenging, I try not to give up because I know that this is part of learning, and life as I look for solutions.
As part of our Building Unit in Science, students built a house for either a stuffy or doll, using recycled materials. Students had to include 1-3 objects in the house that the animal/doll might need. They all completed their own project but regularly got feedback from each other.
Social/Cultural/Global/Environmental Responsibility: I do my best to protect the environment and try to be a positive member of my community. I have a good understanding of where I live, who I am and where I come from. It is important to respect the rights of others and believe in people because that is what makes a good society. I want to live in a society where there is fairness, equality, compassion and freedom.
Communication: It is important to be a good listener and to respect others by trying to understand their ideas and emotions. When I communicate with others, I am clear and confident.
Known as "Cosmic Education" in the Montessori Program, these principles are important in our classroom especially during Work Time. Below is a picture of students during Worktime; during this period they choose to work with any material they wish, alone or with a partner, and may work anywhere in the classroom (standing/lying on a mat/sitting at a desk or small table). The materials are designed so the students can self-correct when they are finished (control of error). (Note: In the mornings the children are restricted to LA materials until first recess; during our Math period they are restricted to choosing from the Math shelf. Although still given choice, this time is not "free" since we still must abide by the Alberta Program of Studies and respect the alotted time given for each subject.)
As well as being fantastic DI, Worktime also encourages Lifelong Learning/Personal Management/Wellbeing as students recognize that learning is happening all around them, and realize that their talents and passions are important. They learn personal strategies on how they learn best, and see where they need improvement, actively choosing a material that will help them improve in that area. (paraphrased from AB Education Framework)
Communication: It is important to be a good listener and to respect others by trying to understand their ideas and emotions. When I communicate with others, I am clear and confident.
Known as "Cosmic Education" in the Montessori Program, these principles are important in our classroom especially during Work Time. Below is a picture of students during Worktime; during this period they choose to work with any material they wish, alone or with a partner, and may work anywhere in the classroom (standing/lying on a mat/sitting at a desk or small table). The materials are designed so the students can self-correct when they are finished (control of error). (Note: In the mornings the children are restricted to LA materials until first recess; during our Math period they are restricted to choosing from the Math shelf. Although still given choice, this time is not "free" since we still must abide by the Alberta Program of Studies and respect the alotted time given for each subject.)
As well as being fantastic DI, Worktime also encourages Lifelong Learning/Personal Management/Wellbeing as students recognize that learning is happening all around them, and realize that their talents and passions are important. They learn personal strategies on how they learn best, and see where they need improvement, actively choosing a material that will help them improve in that area. (paraphrased from AB Education Framework)
Digital/Technological Fluency: I use technologies as tools to learn by myself or to share
with others. They help me find information, communicate with others, solve problems and make decisions. I know how to choose the right technology for my needs and how to use it safely and properly.
Students are working on this through the use of the Mac Computer Lab (logging on and off independently; use of Storybird) as well as through using the Smartboard in our classroom.
with others. They help me find information, communicate with others, solve problems and make decisions. I know how to choose the right technology for my needs and how to use it safely and properly.
Students are working on this through the use of the Mac Computer Lab (logging on and off independently; use of Storybird) as well as through using the Smartboard in our classroom.
Collaboration/Leadership: I try to be a positive role model by showing respect, building good relationships and cooperating with others. I accept responsibility for my actions. I understand that when working with people I need to be flexible and share responsibility. These are good leadership skills that can influence, guide and motivate others.
This is encouraged all day and can be seen during PE, Worktime, the way the students clean up after themselves, how they handle conflict, the way they "let it go" when other classes come in and don't know all of our procedures, etc.
This is encouraged all day and can be seen during PE, Worktime, the way the students clean up after themselves, how they handle conflict, the way they "let it go" when other classes come in and don't know all of our procedures, etc.
The Engaged Thinker: I can collaborate to create new knowledge.
These students are labeling the States on the USA Montessori Map after their work is complete. They are very interested in geography.
These students are labeling the States on the USA Montessori Map after their work is complete. They are very interested in geography.
The Ethical Citizen: I can do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.
The children are exercising team work as they water the plants and keep our classroom clean.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit: I create new opportunities and achieve goals through hard work, perseverance, and discipline!
Students are using the Montessori Letter/Punctuation Box to add capital letters to a beginning of a prepared sentence and the correct punctuation at the end during LA Worktime. In Grade One this is very important to remember! This is a good LA material for students who need to work on writing conventions but are fatigued from writing.
Students are using the Montessori Letter/Punctuation Box to add capital letters to a beginning of a prepared sentence and the correct punctuation at the end during LA Worktime. In Grade One this is very important to remember! This is a good LA material for students who need to work on writing conventions but are fatigued from writing.