Montessori response to the QUOTE format:

Questions … how and when can social interaction be woven in to the lessons? For the most part the text describes the children working independently, although observation is a key component of Montessori’s theory (along with experience and repetition). I appreciate this three pronged approach, but agree with other theorists that learning is also accomplished through social interaction and exploration with your peers, and so am curious how this can be woven into Montessori-based lessons.
Understanding … that the “work” children are doing in the Montessori environment often feels like play. They enjoy what they are doing and they get satisfaction and often an end-product that can feel very rewarding and motivational toward further learning.
Observations … I believe Montessori is “right on” with her theory that children learn best by actually doing as many “real-life” things as possible. During my time in the classroom and again with my own children I found they appreciate being given real tools that allow them to really make something. They love to measure, stir, and make their own foods; they like to sew and make bead jewelry; they are thrilled to set the table for snack with real plates and silverware, and pour water for all (with small pitchers and into small glasses); they enjoy flower arranging and pet feeding; etc – with each task teaching everyone involved.
Treasures … I definitely don’t want to forget how important the environment is to learning, and – if created in the style of Montessori – empowering. Having materials organized and available in a way that allows children to choose their own lessons will allow for greater independence and learning opportunities because they will choose what is they are most interested in. I also want to be sure to take plenty of time to observe, remembering always to learn from my observations about each child and activity.
Easy Applications for my classroom … I think the organization aspect I mentioned in the Treasures section will be fairly easy to implement, and I hope providing materials, tools and furnishings that are both real and properly sized will be easy. Finding ways to utilize all the senses (or at least multiple senses) throughout each lesson should be fairly easy too, if it is a conscious effort.