This edition looks at the Montessori approach to learning and development during the critically important period of adolescence. Adolescence is a time of enormous opportunity and developmental potential rivaled only by the period from birth to 3 years when the child’s basic brain architecture is laid down. As the Montessori approach is developmental in focus, it responds to the needs of the whole adolescent and therefore looks very different from earlier Montessori experiences designed to meet the needs of a primary school aged child. We will look at the two aspects of the syllabus for the adolescent, the practical considerations of the land-based prepared environment and also the educational course of study. We will also look at the role of the Montessori teacher and how the Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies prepares the adult to be both a Montessori generalist as well as a specialist, able to convey life experience to the adolescent.
Contents
The Adolescent and Montessori | 3
A Vision of a Montessori Land-based Community for Adolescents | 4
Essential Ingredients of a Montessori Adolescent Programme | 6
The Montessori Approach to Language in Adolescence | 10
A History Approach to Mathematics for the Adolescent | 12
Montessori Secondary Education – A Parent’s Perspective | 17
Nine Developmental Needs of Adolescents | 18
A Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies: Statement of Purpose | 20
Designing the “Plan of Study and Work” for Adolescence | 22
The Gift of Montessori in Adolescence | 25
The Senior Years Programme at Elonera Montessori School, Wollongong | 28
