Montessori is a child-centred method of education that encourages independence, respect, and freedom within limits. Developed by scientist Maria Montessori in 1870, the hands-on approach to learning has 7 main principles;
Play is Work
Children have a natural desire for knowledge, and a child’s play is viewed as their ‘work’. They should therefore be supported with the correct tools.
Independence
Rather than spoon feeding our children with the answers, the Montessori approach encourages the child to explore and use their initiative.
Prepared Environment
Toddlers love order and routine, and the Montessori method ensures that the child’s environment is accessible, structured, and allows them to move freely from one activity to another.
Hands-On Learning
Children learn through their experiences – a phenomenon which Maria Montessori referred to as ‘the absorbent mind’, in reference to their sponge-like ability to take in new information.
Freedom Within Limits
We as adults provide our children with several approved options, and allow the child to choose for themselves which one to take. Montessori is not about letting the child do whatever they want – it’s about setting limits whilst giving the child freedom of choice within those limits.
Observation
As a parent we are responsible for observing our child in order to identify the interests or skills that they are currently mastering, and to provide them with the right environment to support the development of these interests or skills.
Respect
Each child is unique in their method of learning, their capabilities and their interests. The Montessori method encourages respectfulness between the child and their parent.
A Montessori learning style can be applied at any age from 0 to 6 years. For me, education begins in the home and this blog provides Muslim parents with the stepping stones and resources that they need to incorporate the Sunnah, Islamic values and practices into every day life using Montessori methods.
Montessori Muslim 