The Montessori Method and modern child 
GDE 501.1 – Assignment One: Summary of Topics (approx. 2000 words)
Read The Montessori Method and modern child development texts. In approximately 400 words for each topic, summarize Dr Montessori's approach and discuss how Montessori's views on these topics are regarded in child development texts today.
(a)The Role of the Environment
(b)Children's Diet and Exercise
(c)Nature in Education
(d)Education of the Senses
Dr Montessori also expresses the need for ‘Scientific Pedagogy’, i.e. using scientific methods (especially observation). In the conclusion to this assignment, you should address her theory of scientific pedagogy, and compare it to Vygotsky’s ‘Zone of Proximal Development’.
(a)The Role of the Environment
In Montessori philosophy there are three leading factors that make up the methodology: the environment, including all the materials; the directress, and the child. The prepared environment should be established upon one fundamental base: “the liberty of the pupils in their spontaneous manifestations” (Montessori, 2002). It is in freedom that a child reveals himself and uses his environment to grow.
Socio-emotional development also has a big focus in Montessori’s philosophy. McDevitt & Ormrod agree by stating “Environmental influences are evident in the development of self-esteem and motivation (McDevitt & Ormrod, 2012). The Montessori environment also allows freedom in many aspects, including freedom of movement as the children are allowed to move around the classroom as well as outside the classroom.
All materials are designed with a self-correcting control of error and the correct sizes. All the material should be kept orderly and furniture should be child sized, such as chairs and tables so children can move them. Child size washstands, shelves and cupboards should also be provided for Practical Life Exercises. Nature is also a vital part of the Montessori environment and a garden is highly recommended. Lessons about the plants, insects, seasons
Read The Montessori Method and modern child development texts. In approximately 400 words for each topic, summarize Dr Montessori's approach and discuss how Montessori's views on these topics are regarded in child development texts today.
(a)The Role of the Environment
(b)Children's Diet and Exercise
(c)Nature in Education
(d)Education of the Senses
Dr Montessori also expresses the need for ‘Scientific Pedagogy’, i.e. using scientific methods (especially observation). In the conclusion to this assignment, you should address her theory of scientific pedagogy, and compare it to Vygotsky’s ‘Zone of Proximal Development’.
(a)The Role of the Environment
In Montessori philosophy there are three leading factors that make up the methodology: the environment, including all the materials; the directress, and the child. The prepared environment should be established upon one fundamental base: “the liberty of the pupils in their spontaneous manifestations” (Montessori, 2002). It is in freedom that a child reveals himself and uses his environment to grow.
Socio-emotional development also has a big focus in Montessori’s philosophy. McDevitt & Ormrod agree by stating “Environmental influences are evident in the development of self-esteem and motivation (McDevitt & Ormrod, 2012). The Montessori environment also allows freedom in many aspects, including freedom of movement as the children are allowed to move around the classroom as well as outside the classroom.
All materials are designed with a self-correcting control of error and the correct sizes. All the material should be kept orderly and furniture should be child sized, such as chairs and tables so children can move them. Child size washstands, shelves and cupboards should also be provided for Practical Life Exercises. Nature is also a vital part of the Montessori environment and a garden is highly recommended. Lessons about the plants, insects, seasons