Montessori and Mindfulness
Mindful learning
Mindful parents intuitively tend to Montessori.
It’s natural. This educational and learning method, founded by Marie Montessori, is based on mindfulness.
By using Montessori, you can provide your child with a caring environment that meets their specific developmental needs and interests. A child naturally learns through activity and thanks to the freedom his/her personality develops.
10 principles of Montessori
Respect for the child
A large part of the Montessori philosophy is based on a deep respect for children. This includes respecting the uniqueness of each child, their freedom of choice, movement, correcting their own mistakes and working at their own pace.
The absorbing mind
Maria Montessori's research showed that the first six years of life are the most important for a child's development. She called this stage the period of the "absorptive mind" to describe the child's ability to absorb information from the environment like a sponge. During this period, the child quickly forms an idea of the world and builds the foundations of his/her intelligence and personality.
Sensitive periods
While working with children, Dr. Montessori observed that they go through particularly sensitive stages of development when they are best prepared to acquire certain areas of knowledge and skills. She referred to these stages as "sensitive periods," which essentially describe windows of opportunity for learning. Characteristics of sensitive periods include: intense focus, repetition, commitment to a task, and significantly long periods of focus.
Holistic learning
Montessori focuses on developing each child's potential by providing experiences that support their intellectual, physical, emotional and social development. All aspects of children's development and learning are intertwined and considered equally important.
Individual approach
Montessori is tailored to each child based on their unique stage of development, interests and needs. As an attentive parent, you monitor your child's progress and actively support his further development.
Freedom of movement and the possibility to choose
Children learn the best when they have freedom of movement, can choose their own activities and follow their interests.
Prepared environment
Provide your child with a carefully prepared learning space where everything has a purpose and a place. There is a distinct sense of order that helps children develop logical thought processes. The basic idea is "order in the environment and the mind". In this space, the child can freely develop his interests, choose activities and proceed at his/her own pace.
Inner motivation
Montessori believes that learning is rewarding in itself. Thus, the child gains a sense of accomplishment from being able to complete the given activity and being able to do it independently.
Independence
Montessori is education for independence. It sees children as natural learners who are able and willing to learn on their own if you give them the right stimuli. The ultimate goal of Montessori is independence.
Self-learning
One of the main principles of the Montessori method is the concept of self-learning. It is based on the belief that children are capable and willing to learn on their own if they have interesting learning stimuli.
Child's room as a prepared environment
Provide the child with a suitable space in which he/she can develop his/her awareness.
Children acquire knowledge through experiences with the environment. The prepared environment is a calm and structured space where your child knows what to expect. Furnish the room in such a way that there is room for movement, learning, exploration and discovery.
How to furnish the room:
Furniture
The child experiences frustration in the world of big adults. Therefore, furnish the room with safe children's furniture. Equip it with accessible, low open shelves. Design the interior in such a way that it supports the child's independence and self-control.
Orderliness and color palette
Aim for a clean, tidy and organized environment with a neutral color palette. Use as many natural materials as possible in the room.
Realistic equipment
Montessori emphasizes real experience. For example, when teaching a child to recognize animals, use real photos of them instead of plush or plastic substitutes.
Freedom and choice
The child should experience freedom of movement, freedom of choice and freedom of time in the prepared environment. The children's room should provide a background where he/she can devote himself/herself to his/her activities whenever he/she wants and for as long as he/she wants.
Harmony
The child should feel comfortable and safe in his/her environment. Feelings of calm and harmony are essential for learning, concentration and discovery.
Mindful learning guide
For children from birth to 2 years of age
First steps towards independence. During this developmental period, babies learn through movement, discovery, exploration and connection. Learning is focused on movement skills, language development, developmental milestones, fine motor skills development, social skills and the joy of each child.
What should the child learn?
- Use simple gestures
- Discover objects in different ways
- Choose an activity and develop it
- Play alongside other children
- Know the names of body parts, colors and shapes
- Start using one or two word phrases
- Demonstrate independence skills such as self-feeding
- Reaching physical development milestones such as crawling, walking, climbing and jumping
For children from 2 to 3 years old
Development of practical experience
Montessori motivates toddlers for hands-on learning that is active, self-paced, and based on real-world experiences. Learning focuses on developing independence, social skills, confidence and a solid foundation in preparation for future learning.
What should the child learn?
- Can identify common objects, body parts and colors by name
- Recognizes numbers and can count
- Speaks in sentences, expresses thoughts and feelings
- Participates in physical activities
- Can use a "pincer" grip when writing and drawing
- Shows self-confidence and communicates well with others
- Can use all senses (sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch)
- Demonstrates problem-solving skills and exhibits curiosity
For children from 3 to 6 years old
Support and care for school and life
During this developmental period, children learn through movement, discovery, exploration and connection. Learning is focused on movement skills, language development, developmental milestones, fine motor skills development, social skills and the joy of each child.
What should the child learn?
- Form individual letters and numbers
- Recognizes numbers and can count
- Reads simple sentences and forms phonetic words
- He/she can write and recognize his/her own name
- He/she is aware of the decimal system, addition and subtraction
- Participates in physical activities and follows the rules of the game
- Shows self-confidence and communicates well with others
- Can concentrate and work independently
- Responds to challenges and demonstrates problem solving skills
Beggs inspiration
for learning and training mindfulness
Provide your child with sensory experiences every day
A child becomes an explorer from the age of 3. They learn to distinguish between different smells, sounds and textures. Offer him/her materials that stimulate his/her senses. You can encourage your little one to help you in the garden with fruit picking or in the kitchen with manual kneading of dough.
Encourage your child to practice paying attention
Give the child the opportunity to practice concentration. All you have to do is prepare a simple activity that will keep him/her busy. You can put a can of Beggs milk in front of your child and watch what he/she does with it.
Help your child to connect with nature
Give your child opportunities to observe, touch, taste and manipulate with things around him/her. Next time you're out, encourage him/her to stop and smell the flowers.
Practice walking "meditation"
Encourage your child to follow the lines painted or taped on the floor or sidewalk. You will strengthen his/her concentration and sense of balance. Walking the line can be accompanied by music. The child should move to its rhythm.
Let the child choose an activity that he/she enjoys
Prepare interesting stimuli for your child, from which he/she can choose an activity according to his/her interests. You can also use a smiling Beggs box. It is made of cardboard paper that attracts little artists. Its appearance and size also motivates to other great pieces.
Infant formula should only be used on a doctor's recommendation. Method of use and other information are on the packaging. Food for special nutrition.