Abstract/Notes: The Montessorian proposal for childhood education appears highly modern and relevant in relation to the development of both motor skills and cognitive functions (Shivji, 2016;), strongly supported by neurosciences’ embodied theories (Roessingh, H. & Bence, M. 2018)), and the increasing wellbeing problem related to childhood (Pate et al, 2014; Ross, 2012). This review analyses Maria Montessori’s modern educational vision, in light of the emerging needs of today’s children. The contribution reviews existing literature focusing on body and movement, but connected with cognitive, emotional and well-being aspects, which are critical in preschool education, both for educators/teachers (Atli, 2016; Akkerman, 2014; Lillard, 2011), and for school reform policies (Lillard, 2019).

Language: English

DOI: 10.6092/issn.1970-2221/12195

ISSN: 1970-2221

Abstract/Notes: This paper presents the socialization in preschool-age according to Montessori pedagogy and emphasizes the three elements – the favorable environment, the prepared teacher and the child. It describes the child’s path towards socialization and how he/she builds his/her sense of community, by focusing on the absorbent mind, sensitive periods, movement, concentration, the development of willpower, character and intelligence, the process of normalization, and formation of self-discipline. / В настоящия доклад се представят характеристиката и спецификата на социализацията в предучилищна възраст през погледа на Монтесори педагогиката. В него се акцентира върху трите елемента – подкрепяща среда, подготвен учител и дете. Описва се пътят, по който детето преминава в своята социализация и как изгражда чувството си за общност – започвайки от характеристиките на попиващия ум, сензитивните/чувствителните периоди, движението, концентрацията, нормализацията, изграждането на волята, характера, интелигентността и самодисциплината.

Language: Bulgarian

Published: Sofia, Bulgaria: St. Kliment Ohridski University Press, 2023

Pages: 198-204

ISBN: 978-954-07-5061-3

Language: English

ISSN: 1538-6619

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/00377996.1984.10114444

ISSN: 0037-7996, 2152-405X

Abstract/Notes: Today, with the implementation of quality education, humanistic culture is integrated into preschool education. Under different backgrounds, the integration of humanistic thought in preschool education can help children grow up and receive a better education. Montessori's teaching thought has exerted a vital influence on the early childhood education system in China and is highly praised by many early childhood educators, which is of great practical significance to the development of children. Based on this, this article takes Montessori's education idea as the main starting point, carries on the elaboration from the thought outline and the core goal two aspects, analyzes the current country's preschool education situation, and inquires into its existence the question. Finally, from esteem heredity, enviromnent education, and sense organ education, this paper carries on a brief discussion of the practice of Montessori education through countermeasures, to further enrich the theoretical system of preschool education in China and make important contributions to the practical exploration of preschool education.

Language: English

DOI: 10.26855/er.2O23.09.034

ISSN: 2575-7946, 2575-7938

Abstract/Notes: South African studies based on school readiness found that most children who commence formal schooling (from Grade 1) lack the basic skills needed to adapt within the learning environment – these include having challenges to follow instructions, work autonomously or focus on a task. The national guideline for teaching children between birth to 9 years does not specify how early childhood education programmes can facilitate or strengthen executive function (EF) skills through structured play. Structured play, can be understood as play activities that require guidance and instructions for completion. During the activities, the participants have to follow instructions in order to attain the outcome. Hence, there is a need to explore how EF skills can be developed through structured play. From our understanding, EF is an individual’s cognitive ability to regulate thoughts and actions needed to complete a task. Executive function skills assist learners to adjust and work effectively later (Grade 1) in a formal learning environment to perform academically. The study was conducted at preschool sites that follow different educational approaches. They are Montessori, National Curriculum Framework (NCF), Reggio Emilia and Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) preschools. The preschools are situated in affluent suburbs of Pretoria, Gauteng. In this article, learners refer to children aged 4 years in the Grade RRR class. A qualitative multiple case study design was utilised. We interacted with two teachers from four schools who followed different educational approaches. The data collection techniques included individual semi-structured interviews, lesson observation and document analysis, whilst photographs and field notes were taken when the teacher-participants interacted with learners during a planned learning experience. The generated data sets were inductively analysed and interpreted using the theoretical frameworks of sociocultural theory and metacognition. The interpreted data sets revealed that the preschool teacher-participants can facilitate EF using games, songs, movement exercises or racing competitions. The participants explained that indoor, outdoor and learning experiences facilitated EF skills such as self-regulation, working memory and cognitive flexibility during structured play. There is a need for preschool teachers to identify EF in the curriculum and know how to link and intentionally include the skills in daily learning experiences. This will ensure learners acquire EF and apply it in formal learning environments. The contribution to the body of scholarship is the development of guidelines for teachers to intentionally and explicitly develop EF skills using structured play. We confer that teachers play a role in enabling fun, engaging and hands-on activities that promote the acquisition of EF in the early years.

Language: English

DOI: 10.4102/sajce.v12i1.1141

ISSN: 2223-7682

Abstract/Notes: This research revolved around Johnson's (2013) definition of early childhood science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, emphasizing the integration of science and math instruction with scientific inquiry, engineering design, mathematical analysis, and 21st-century interdisciplinary skills. Johnson recommended using an approach called integrated STEM, which aims to create a meaningful integration of STEM disciplines in the context of real-world challenges and problems. Given the swift advancements in science and technology, early exposure to STEM concepts is crucial for children. Research has indicated introducing STEM in preschool equips children with foundational skills to explore complex concepts in elementary school. Early childhood experiences have a substantial impact on cognitive and academic development, fostering brain development and enhancing lifelong cognitive and academic outcomes. Young children naturally exhibit qualities like prediction, hypothesizing, analysis, and curiosity. They actively engage with their surroundings, constructing scientific and mathematical understanding through hands-on STEM activities, and developing competence, knowledge, and problem-solving skills. This study employed narrative inquiry and autoethnography to explore early childhood educators' needs, talents, and challenges in integrating STEM curricula. It addressed critical questions about STEM education, such as its ideal form, optimal introduction timing, and ensuring equitable access for all preschoolers. The research examined educators' STEM knowledge and identified implementation barriers that affect STEM self-efficacy. This research underscores the importance of introducing STEM education early in childhood and highlights the need for comprehensive policies and equitable funding. The study's results bridge the knowledge–doing gap and emphasized the significance of adequately preparing educators to provide STEM-related curricula.

Language: English

Published: San Francisco, California, 2023

Abstract/Notes: Largement dominant à l’école maternelle depuis des décennies, le dispositif des « ateliers » est depuis peu concurrencé par des « plages d’activités montessoriennes ». Pour certains enseignants, elles permettraient une meilleure prise en compte de la diversité des élèves. Nous avons comparé ces deux types de dispositifs en observant spécifiquement l’activité et les apprentissages des élèves plus faibles, le plus souvent issus des milieux populaires. Malgré leurs différences, il n’est pas rare que ces dispositifs présupposent tous deux une grande autonomie des élèves, alors même que l’écart est grand entre cette autonomie postulée et l’« autonomie » réelle, en particulier pour les plus faibles. Nous cherchons à comprendre en quoi et pourquoi les étayages enseignants manquent pour ces élèves, tout en étant également attentif à certaines variations qui pourraient s’avérer plus favorables aux moins bien dotés scolairement par leur milieu d’origine. Cet article met donc en lien pédagogie et sociologie (sociologies des inégalités socio-scolaire et de la socialisation), non sans réactiver aussi la question du caractère différenciateur ou non des pédagogies alternatives. [Dominant in French preschools for decades, the “atelier” system has recently faced competition from “Montessorian activities”. For some teachers, these activities would allow them to make better provision for the diversity of their pupils. We compared these two types of strategies by specifically observing the activities and learning of weaker pupils, most of whom come from working-class backgrounds. Despite their differences, it is not uncommon for both of these strategies to involve considerable pupil autonomy, even though there is a big difference between this postulated autonomy and real “autonomy”, particularly where the weakest pupils are concerned. We endeavour to ascertain how and why there is a lack of teacher support for these pupils, while also being mindful of certain variations which could potentially be of more benefit to those who are less well provided for in school due to their background. This article therefore links pedagogy and sociology (sociology of socio-educational inequalities and sociology of socialisation), and also rekindles the question of whether alternative pedagogies have a differentiating effect or not.]

Language: French

DOI: 10.4000/rfp.9296

ISSN: 0556-7807

Abstract/Notes: Aim: The topic of the article is the issue of popularizing the Maria Montessori method in the magazine “Przedszkole Przedszkolne” (1925–1939). The article was divided into five parts. The first presents the magazine “Preschool Education”, its issues and educational and popularizing functions. The second part of the article contains an outline of Maria Montessori’s biography up to 1910. The most important turning point in the life of this outstanding teacher is the year in which she gave up her medical practice and didactic work at the University of Rome, devoting herself entirely to teaching, primarily improving and promoting her own method. The most important for the discussed issue, i.e. the third, fourth and fifth parts include the description and the analysis of articles describing the Montessori method in the pages of Preschool Education, presentation of the section with sets of sense exercises and presentation of critical voices regarding this method, published in this journal. Methods: a critical analysis of sources. Results: an analysis of original articles propagating the Maria Montessori method in the magazine “Preschool Education” (1925–1939), whose founder and editor-in-chief was Maria Weryho-Radziwiłłowicz. Conclusions: In the years 1925–1939, the magazine “Preschool Education” published several articles that were a valuable source of information about the pedagogy of Maria Montessori and the organization of “children’s homes”. The authors of the most important of them were Klara Grunwald, and critical of this method ‒ Zofia Bogdanowiczowa. Importantly, in 1936 a translation of one of Maria Montessori’s lectures was published. The editors of “Preschool Education” placed great emphasis on the issues of pedagogical practice, which is why from the first issue the subject of sensory education was promoted. A huge number of various the so-called sensory exercises, in the form of usually creative suggestions for educators, could however result in the shallowing of the Montessori method as a whole.

Language: Polish

DOI: 10.17460/PHO_2020.3_4.06

ISSN: 0033-2178

Language: English

DOI: 10.53796/hnsj51/36

ISSN: 2709-0833