Cycle of Activity (Montessori)

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In Montessori education, a Cycle of Activity refers to the repeated engagement of a child in a task or activity that interests them. They carry out this activity many times until an inner need has been fulfilled.[1] To accommodate these cycles of activity, Montessori advocates for a three-hour uninterrupted work period.

Montessori Quotes

  • "The child who concentrates is immensely happy."[2]
  • "The satisfaction which they find in their work has given them a grace and ease like that which comes from music."[3]

Research and Critiques

  • Pros: Montessori's Cycle of Activity can foster deep concentration, promote mastery of skills, and satisfy the child's natural curiosity and intrinsic motivation.[4]
  • Cons: Critics argue that prolonged work cycles might be challenging for children with short attention spans or those who thrive in more varied, dynamic environments.[5]

Comparisons to Other Methods

In traditional education systems, classroom time is typically structured into shorter periods focusing on different subjects. This contrasts with the Montessori method's emphasis on longer, uninterrupted work cycles that allow a child to explore an interest in-depth.[6]

See Also

Glossary of Montessori Terms

The Glossary of Montessori Terms is a collection of specific terms and vocabulary that are related to the Montessori method of education, primarily focusing on the theory and practice for children aged 3 to 6. The jargon used by Montessori educators offers a unique insight into child development as discussed by Maria Montessori. The 'Montepedia Glossary of Montessori Terms' originated from a glossary that was compiled by the late Annette Haines from the Montessori Training Centre of St. Louis, at the request of Molly O'Shaughnessy from the Montessori Centre of Minnesota. The reason behind the creation of this glossary was to supplement O'Shaughnessy's lecture at the Joint Annual Refresher Course that took place in Tampa, Florida, in February 2001.[7] The glossary has since been expanded and updated with additional 'Montessori Terms'.

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References

  1. ↑ Montessori, M. (1966). The Secret of Childhood. Ballantine Books.
  2. ↑ Montessori, M. (1949). The Absorbent Mind. Clio Press.
  3. ↑ Montessori, M. (1966). The Secret of Childhood. Ballantine Books.
  4. ↑ Lillard, A. (2017). Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius. Oxford University Press.
  5. ↑ Egan, K. (2002). Getting it wrong from the beginning: Our progressivist inheritance from Herbert Spencer, John Dewey, and Jean Piaget. Yale University Press.
  6. ↑ Mooney, C. (2013). Theories of Childhood, Second Edition: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget & Vygotsky. Redleaf Press.
  7. ↑ Haines, A. (2001). Glossary of Montessori Terms. Montessori Training Centre of St. Louis.
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