Language Appreciation (Montessori)
In Montessori education, Language Appreciation is a fundamental component where children are immersed in rich and expressive language experiences from their earliest days in the Montessori classroom.[1] This includes opportunities to listen to true stories about known subjects, told with enthusiasm, as well as exposure to songs, poems, and rhymes as part of the daily life of the class. The teacher models the art of conversation and listens respectfully to her young students. Children are also encouraged to explore beautiful books with realistic images, further enriching their appreciation of language.
Montessori Quotes
- "We cannot know the consequences of suppressing a child's spontaneity when he is just beginning to be active. We may even suffocate life itself. That humanity which is revealed in all its intellectual splendor during the sweet and tender age of childhood should be respected with a kind of religious veneration."[2]
- "The only language men ever speak perfectly is the one they learn in babyhood, when no one can teach them anything!"[3]
Research and Critiques
- Pros: Language appreciation in the Montessori classroom helps to create a rich and engaging language environment, which is linked with early literacy skills, vocabulary development, and a love of language.[4]
- Cons: Critics argue that this approach may not be sufficient for children who struggle with language or reading, and who might need more targeted and individualized instruction.[5]
Comparisons to Other Methods
Traditional education methods often focus on the mechanics of reading and writing from early on. In contrast, Montessori education emphasizes language appreciation, fostering a deep-seated love and understanding of language before focusing on the mechanics.[6]
See Also
References
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1967). The Discovery of the Child. Ballantine Books.
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1949). The Absorbent Mind. Clio Press.
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1912). The Montessori Method. Frederick A. Stokes Company.
- ↑ Lillard, A. (2017). Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius. Oxford University Press.
- ↑ Egan, K. (2002). Getting it wrong from the beginning: Our progressivist inheritance from Herbert Spencer, John Dewey, and Jean Piaget. Yale University Press.
- ↑ Mooney, C. (2013). Theories of Childhood, Second Edition: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget & Vygotsky. Redleaf Press.
