Montessori = creativity unleashed | Judi Bauerlein | TEDxLivermore

Summary

The speaker celebrates the transformative power of Montessori education, highlighting its emphasis on sensorial experiences and the prepared environment to foster creativity and independence. Through personal anecdotes and examples, including the experiences of notable Montessori alumni like Julia Child and Will Wright, the talk illustrates how this educational approach nurtures a deep connection with nature and the cosmos, encouraging a lifelong love for learning and exploration.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The script celebrates the transformative power of 'flittering light' moments that spark internal awareness and creativity.
• 👩‍⚕️ Maria Montessori's journey as the first female physician in Italy and her serendipitous involvement with children led to profound insights into education.
• 👶 Montessori's observations at an institution for children, then derogatorily termed 'idiot children', highlighted the critical need for sensorial experiences in learning.
• 🏡 The Montessori method emphasizes a 'prepared environment' that is inviting, safe, and conducive to fostering a child's independence and inner teacher.
• 🔑 Freedom of choice and the ability to engage deeply with materials until satisfaction are key principles that Montessori believed in to encourage creativity.
• 🧠 The script illustrates how sensorial materials in a Montessori classroom engage children's minds and bodies, leading to moments of 'flow' and deep concentration.
• 🌱 The importance of nature and cosmic education in the Montessori curriculum is underscored, with the belief that a connection to the natural world is essential for a child's development.
• 🌌 Cosmic education, starting from a young age, aims to feed children's curiosity about the universe and life, planting seeds in their creative imagination.
• 🎓 Montessori alumni often carry the values and experiences from their education into adulthood, demonstrating the long-term impact of the method.
• 🌍 The script concludes by suggesting that the principles of Montessori education, which value attention and respect, can be applied universally to enrich our world.

Q & A

Who is Maria Montessori and what is her significance in the field of education?

Maria Montessori was the first female physician in Italy, graduating in 1896. She became involved with young children and developed a strong educational system based on the importance of sensorial experiences and the manipulation of objects by hand.

What is the significance of the 'flittering light' mentioned in the script?

The 'flittering light' refers to spontaneous moments of illumination or insight that can lead to significant changes or discoveries, both in the context of individual learning and in Montessori's own educational philosophy.

How did Maria Montessori's experience with 'idiot children' influence her educational philosophy?

Maria Montessori's observation of children in an institution, who were treated poorly and misunderstood, led to her realization of the critical need for sensorial experiences. This experience was pivotal in shaping her educational philosophy, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning.

What is the role of the prepared environment in Montessori education?

The prepared environment in Montessori education is designed to be nurturing, safe, and conducive to learning. It is carefully arranged to honor the individual's work and to allow the 'inner teacher' within the child to be heard, fostering independence.

What are the two principles of Montessori education that most effectively encourage the 'inner teacher'?

The two principles are freedom of choice and the freedom to stay with the material until one is satisfied, which allow children to explore and learn at their own pace, enhancing their creativity and understanding.

How does the interaction with sensorial material in Montessori classrooms contribute to creativity?

Interaction with sensorial material engages the child's complete concentration, leading to deep enjoyment and creativity. It allows for immersive experiences that can lead to 'flow', a state described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in his book 'Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience'.

What are the specific requirements for sensorial materials in Montessori education?

Sensorial materials in Montessori education must be sturdy, well-constructed, mathematically accurate, and pleasing to the senses to be worthy of the self-construction work they will facilitate for the individual.

How do Montessori graduates carry their sensorial experiences into adulthood?

Montessori graduates often carry a love for working with their hands and a willingness to try new things into adulthood, as exemplified by figures like Julia Child and Will Wright, who attribute their success to their Montessori education.

Why is the connection to nature important in Montessori education?

The connection to nature is important because it fosters a sense of wonder, curiosity, and respect for the environment. Montessori education includes nature in its curriculum and environment to counteract 'nature deficit disorder' and promote healthy child development.

What is Cosmic Education and how does it fit into Montessori's approach?

Cosmic Education is an approach that begins at age six, aiming to feed children's curiosity about the universe and life's mysteries. It involves teaching about the wonders of the universe and using great stories to plant seeds in the child's fertile, creative imagination.

How does the Montessori method encourage creativity and attentiveness?

The Montessori method encourages creativity by providing an environment that values attention to creativity, tool handling, and respecting others' space and thoughts. This attentiveness imbues work and learning with worth, allowing creativity to flow freely.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Illuminating Moments and Montessori's Impact

The speaker begins by emphasizing the transformative power of moments when light touches internal awareness, stirring something within us that can create wonders. They recount their experiences with students and personal growth, highlighting Maria Montessori's journey as Italy's first female physician and her serendipitous involvement with children. Montessori's observations at an institution for children, where she noticed their need for sensorial experiences, led to powerful awakenings about the critical need for hands-on manipulation. This realization became a cornerstone of her educational system, which is known for fostering creativity and inventiveness, as illustrated by a Wall Street Journal article and the experiences of a Montessori colleague.

05:00

🌱 The Prepared Environment and Inner Teacher

The speaker discusses the importance of the prepared environment in Montessori education, which is designed to nurture the inner teacher within the child, allowing for independence and self-discovery. Montessori believed in the child's inner teacher and the importance of freedom of choice and the freedom to engage with materials until satisfaction is achieved. An example is shared of a 7-year-old student who, through her work with the multiplication board, made a spontaneous connection with a sensorial material, demonstrating the power of exploration and concentration. The speaker also touches on the characteristics of Montessori sensorial materials and how they contribute to the self-construction of the individual, with anecdotes from Montessori graduates like Julia Child and Will Wright, who attribute their success to their Montessori education.

10:01

🌿 Embracing Nature and Cosmic Education

The speaker highlights the significance of a connection with nature in child development, referencing Richard Louv's concept of 'nature deficit disorder' and its negative impacts. Montessori education integrates nature into its curriculum and environment, fostering a deep relationship with the natural world. The speaker shares insights from Montessori graduates like Gabrielle Garcia Marquez and a Venezuelan architect, who credit their affinity for nature and creativity to their Montessori education. The concept of Cosmic Education is introduced, which aims to feed children's curiosity about the universe and life's secrets through exploration and storytelling, beginning at a young age.

15:02

🌐 Attention to Creativity and Honoring Individuality

The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of attention to creativity and the honoring of individuality in Montessori schools. They share comments from Jim Borman, a parent and political cartoonist, who observes the value placed on creativity, tool handling, and respect for personal space and thoughts in Montessori education. The speaker suggests that these principles can be applied beyond Montessori schools, enriching the world by surrounding us with the 'flittering light' of creativity and individual attention.

Keywords

💡Flittering Light

The term 'flittering light' is used metaphorically in the script to describe moments of illumination or insight. These are spontaneous and fleeting, yet they have the power to stir something within us and create wonders. In the context of the video, it relates to the transformative experiences that Maria Montessori had and how such moments can lead to significant changes and creativity. The script mentions, 'a spark of light touches an internal awareness,' illustrating the concept of an enlightening moment that can inspire and motivate.

💡Montessori Journey

The 'Montessori Journey' refers to the educational philosophy and practices developed by Maria Montessori. The video discusses how Montessori's experiences and observations led to the creation of her educational system, which emphasizes hands-on learning and the importance of sensorial experiences. The script highlights her journey as a transformative process that resulted in a profound impact on education, as exemplified by the quote, 'I was changed when I took my Montessori Journey.'

💡Sensorial Experiences

Sensorial experiences are a core component of the Montessori educational system, referring to the use of the senses to explore and understand the world. The video emphasizes the importance of tactile interaction and manipulation of materials to foster learning and cognitive development. An example from the script is when Montessori observed children touching bread not to eat but to feel its texture, leading her to conclude that 'they need sensorial experiences.'

💡Prepared Environment

A 'prepared environment' in Montessori education is a carefully designed space that supports the child's development and learning. It is characterized by order, beauty, and accessibility, allowing children to engage in self-directed activities. The script describes such an environment as one that is 'bright, beautiful, harmonious,' and where 'materials are arranged beautifully on the shelves,' creating a conducive atmosphere for learning and exploration.

💡Freedom of Choice

In the context of the video, 'freedom of choice' is a principle that empowers children to make decisions about their learning activities. It encourages autonomy and fosters a sense of responsibility. The script mentions how this freedom allows the 'inner teacher within the child' to be heard, leading to independence and self-directed learning, as seen in the example of a student choosing to work with the multiplication board.

💡Inner Teacher

The 'inner teacher' is a concept that refers to the innate capacity for learning and self-education that resides within each individual. The video discusses how Montessori education aims to nurture this inner teacher by providing the right environment and opportunities for self-discovery. The script quotes Dr. Montessori, 'it is as if nature safeguarded each child from the influence of adult reasoning in order to give priority to that inner teacher who animates him.'

💡Cosmic Education

Cosmic Education is a holistic approach to learning that Montessori introduced, focusing on the interconnectedness of all things and the broader context of the universe. It aims to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world and the cosmos. The script mentions that Cosmic Education 'begins at age six' and involves exploring 'the wonders of the universe' through stories and activities that feed children's 'Brilliant Minds'.

💡Nature Deficit Disorder

The term 'nature deficit disorder' is used by the script to describe the negative effects of a lack of connection with nature, particularly in children. It is associated with various conditions such as obesity, ADD, and depression. The video underscores the importance of fostering a relationship with nature, as Dr. Montessori did in her educational program, to counteract this disorder and promote healthy child development.

💡Flow

In the script, 'flow' refers to a state of deep engagement and enjoyment in an activity, where individuals lose track of time and experience creativity. It is a concept from the book 'Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience' by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. The video relates this concept to the immersive experiences children have with Montessori materials, where they become so absorbed that they enter a state of 'flow,' exemplified by the student who exclaimed, 'they're the same thing!'

💡Attention

The video emphasizes 'attention' as a critical aspect of the Montessori approach, which values focusing on creativity, handling tools, and respecting others' space and thoughts. It suggests that by teaching with attentiveness, the learning process is enhanced and imbued with worth. The script includes a quote from Jim Borman, a parent, who observes that Montessori schools are 'all about a kind of attention' that fosters an environment where creativity can flourish.

Highlights

The importance of spontaneous moments of illumination in creating wonders.

Maria Montessori's journey as the first female physician in Italy and her serendipitous involvement with children.

Montessori's realization of the critical need for sensorial experiences in children's development.

The foundational principle of Montessori education: giving to the hand before the mind.

The Wall Street Journal article questioning the creativity fostered by Montessori education.

The prepared environment in Montessori classrooms that promotes independence and inner growth.

Freedom of choice and the freedom to stay with material until satisfaction as key principles in Montessori education.

An example of a child's 'flittering light' moment with the multiplication board and bead cabinet.

The deep concentration and creativity experienced by children through sensorial material interaction.

The requirement for Montessori sensorial materials to be sturdy, accurate, and pleasing to the senses.

Montessori graduates carrying sensorial experiences into adulthood, exemplified by Julia Child and Will Wright.

The significance of a warm and trusting relationship with nature in Montessori education.

The inclusion of nature and cosmic education in the Montessori curriculum from age six.

The concept of 'nature deficit disorder' and its impact on child development.

The role of cosmic education in feeding children's curiosity about the universe.

The importance of attentiveness in fostering creativity and honoring individuality in Montessori schools.

The application of Montessori principles beyond the classroom, including adult Montessori and for the elderly.

Transcripts

[Applause]

welcome Sun come and spread your

flittering light flittering light those

spontaneous moments when a spark of

light touches an internal

awareness it illuminates and moves on

but something in us has

stirred and that stirring can create

wonders I was blessed to have experience

magical moments with my students and

within myself for I was changed when I

took my Monas

Journey Maria montori

herself had many moments of

Illumination and they did create

wonders two years after she graduated as

the first female

physician in Italy in

1896 she was through a series of

serendipitous events she became involved

with young children thank

goodness one day she was asked to visit

an institution for children and at that

time they were called idiot children and

they were treated as

such she was wandering through the halls

with this caregiver guide and she

noticed children picking up pieces of

bread from the

floor and they were feeling them and

they were touching

it the guide disgustingly

said these children just ate and yet

they want more Dr monoy said they don't

want to eat eat the bread they need to

touch it they need to manipulate it they

need sensorial

experiences from this one and from many

similar

experiences came powerful

Awakenings that a critical essential

need for the for each human is to be

able to manipulate with their hands to

use their hands Dr monoy said give

nothing to the mind until you first give

it to the

hand her passion about sensorial

experiences and her belief in their

importance eventually formed a strong

basis of her educational

system now sometimes these flittering

lights are more like a flood light as

you will see in this Wall Street Journal

article the author later goes on to to

say what is it about the monory

education that does Foster such

creativity is there something that we

can learn from is there something about

that monoy environment that does create

such

inventiveness a mono colleague of mine

said well yes of course we encourage

creativity but most importantly we don't

stifle it

so take a brief Journey with me as we

look at some of those elements that do

uncover and Foster creativity through

the whole age span of the mono education

which includes infant toddlers all the

way through

adolesence a structural developmental

Cornerstone of mono education is the

prepared

environment imagine you entering a

classroom that is bright it's beautiful

it's

harmonious you are greeted with genuine

warmth you feel

safe the materials are arranged

beautifully on the shelves plants and

sometimes an animal or two or more are

an integral part of the

classroom everything is lovingly and

carefully

prepared to honor the work of the

individual Sean Diddy comes rap singer

and

actor attended a public monoy

school and he expressed beautifully what

can happen in the prepared

environment he said I felt like I was

nurtured into being someone

special Dr monor talks extensively and

passionately about the role of the

prepared

environment so that the voice of the

inner child the inner teacher within the

child may be heard and Independence may

be gained she wrote it is as if nature

safeguarded each child from the

influence of adult

reasoning in order to give priority to

that inner teacher who animates

him there are many many principles in

the monoy

education but two of them which most

effectively encourage and animate that

inner teacher are freedom of

choice and freedom to stay with the

material until one is

satisfied I'm going to share an example

of a a student in my class 7 years old

she had chosen to work with the

multiplication

board and was busy working with it doing

the six time

Stables all of a sudden she looked up

and it was like that flittering light

just soared into her she rushed over to

the bead cabinet took the corresponding

six chain laid it right next to the

multiplication board and essentially she

yells out she said they're the same

thing it's the same how wonderful that

she had the time to explore those

connections

herself inter students interaction with

sensorial

material engages their complete

concentration of both mind and

body there are times they become so

immersed in their work that they do lose

all sense of time they experience deep

in enjoyment and creativity and it

reminds me very much of what chick sens

me high describes as flow in his book

flow the psychology of human

creativity and as you can imagine Dr

mono had very many specific requirements

for this kinesthetic sensorial

material they had to be sturdy they had

to be well

constructed mathematically accurate and

pleasing to the

senses

why because they must be worthy of the

work that they will do for the self-c

construction of the

individual monaster graduates have many

of them have carried the sensorial

experience into adulthood these young

children love taking the sensorial

materials and exploring different

patterns with them and combining

materials to make incredible structures

they're young Engineers who are building

these incredible things and it's all

because they have the time and the

choice to do so and now I want to go

back to these monaster

graduates who have carried sensorial

experiences with

them Julia Child

said my montoo experience taught me to

love working with my hands to try new

things and to have a very friendly

relationship with

eror and

moving and moving from the kitchen into

the computer

room Will Wright creator of Sim City

said you learn really complex things in

Monas things like the Pythagorean

theorem by working with material called

the trinomial

CU he said it's all about learning

things on your own rather than having

teachers explaining stuff to you all the

time Sim City he says comes right out of

monor we're going to take a trip and the

flipping light is going to now go to two

particular passions of

mine the interaction with the natural

world world and Cosmic education the

wonders of the

universe very perceptive people have

said how incredibly important it is that

we have a warm and trusting relationship

with

nature and how sad it is when that sense

of wonder is

lost why is this so

important consider

in his influential

book last child in the woods Richard

love coined a term called nature deficit

disorder which describes what is

happening with many of our young

children and the conditions as a result

such as

obesity add depression among

others he then points to research that

shows that a healthy happy connection to

our natural

world directly corresponds to healthy

child

development Dr monoi said how sad the

soul of

man especially that of a child who is

not put in contact with

nature she was determined to do

something about this about this sad

situation

in her educational program Nature is

totally in it's it's included in every

single thing it's included in the

curriculum in the

environment in the nature walks in

camping in fact with the secondary

students spend a long time tending the

ground tending the land

and this student a secondary monory

student has created and is now building

a straw Bell

house because there are many creators

creative artists that talk about this

incredible connection to

Nature Gabrielle Garcia

Marquez Nobel Prize winner said I do not

believe there's a method better than

montor for sens izing children to the

beauties of Nature and for awakening

their

curiosity about the secrets of

life and this vienes

architect

said my Mur School taught me to have an

affinity for vivid

colors and to love

nature and now we're going to the outer

reaches of the

cosmos and Cosmic education

which essentially begins at age six Dr

monoy observed as we all know the

children of that age want to know the

how and the why of

everything and if that is what they need

to feed their Brilliant Minds it is our

job to give it to

them our task is to enthuse them to

their inmost Court by planting a as many

seeds as possible in that fertile

creative

imagination and that is what we

do the curriculum the

environment

everything also includes looking at the

wonders of the universe and through

great stories such

as the story of the universe and the

timeline of

Life perhaps perhaps our

Reflections can come to a

conclusion the flittering white will be

captured as we look at comments from Jim

Borman he is a political cartoonist and

a parent he has two children in a monory

school and when he observes the monory

school he said it's all about a kind of

attention

attention that is given to

creativity attention that is given

to handling tools attention given to

honoring another person's

space honoring another person's thoughts

honoring another person and honoring

oneself it seems to me he says that mono

schools and the methods are all about

this kind of

attention the value of being attentive

and when you teach from this

attitude the work and the learning are

imbued with

worth and that is a Clear Channel

through which creativity can easily

flow perhaps some of you have never had

any direct contact with the monory

school

but the principles that have been

discussed today that I have talked about

can be practiced at any time in any

place adult monor is monory for adults

is hard talk about the

elderly so that the fing light will

surround us

all and will enich our world thank you

[Applause]