Maria Montessori is called a visionary for her method of education. While her philosophy was based upon observations of children a century ago, her approach is as applicable now more than ever before. Central to the rich learning environment is the collaborative community of multi-age learners exploring and experimenting together. They share ideas and knowledge in a joyful and non-competitive environment. Every day we observe children supporting each other in the classroom: two children working together building a maze with the red rods, or another assisting a friend whom is having difficulty with the binomial cube, or in the elementary classroom children collaborating on a research project. These experiences help to instill confidence and an atmosphere where it is okay to make mistakes. Our BMS, RMS and SMS teachers provide just the right mix of support and are experts at fielding children’s questions in a manner to encourage problem solving skills. Every detail of our classrooms is designed to enhance problem solving skills. The placement of materials, the self-correcting design of work, the exciting variety of topics and levels of difficulty all stimulate the children’s individual discovery. With each new discovery, comes a confidence and energy to want more!
Finding solutions together translate to social situations as well, a much-needed skill for children and adults both. We witness children working out their disagreements together and taking responsibility for their actions. The fundamental skills learned in our Montessori classrooms are invaluable.
Things you can practice at home to nurture problem solving:
- Ask your child open-ended questions that allow your child to use reasoning and problem solving skills.
- Try answering your child’s questions with another question
- Help your child identify alternate solutions and try them together
- Encourage your child to try things on his own, providing only what support is necessary to prevent extreme frustration or (of course) danger.
Today’s changing world demands a workforce whom are innovative in their thinking and can adapt to situations. Google founders, Nobel Prize recipients, musicians, authors and so many other Montessori-educated adults credit their early Montessori experiences for their own success. Creative thinking and problem solving begins in our Montessori classrooms.
