DVD: Montessori In Action
A DVD explaining the principles behind the Montessori approach to early education, narrated by Lynne Lawrence. It is made for the parent deciding whether to send a child to a Montessori school and finding that every explanation either assumes too much or says too little. Watching a prepared environment being used answers in twenty minutes what an hour of reading does not, because the objection people usually have is about what it looks like in practice. Plastic and paper, for adults.
“The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence.”
The Montessori In Action DVD serves as a window into authentic Montessori practice, capturing the profound concentration and purposeful movement that emerges when children engage with scientifically designed materials. Through Lynne Lawrence's expert narration, viewers witness how the DVD documents the essential characteristics of normalized children, those who have developed concentration, coordination, independence, and order through their work.
- Recognition of authentic Montessori practices and environments
- Understanding of child-led learning sequences
- Observation skills for identifying concentration and normalization
- Awareness of the adult's role as observer and facilitator
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This visual documentation demonstrates Maria Montessori's principle that education is a natural process carried out by the child through experiences in the environment. The DVD reveals how children in filmed classrooms choose activities based on inner developmental needs, work with materials until satisfaction is achieved, and develop self-discipline through freedom within limits. By observing real children on screen, adults gain insight into the child's true nature when obstacles to development are removed. The footage illustrates how prepared environments foster independence, with children selecting work, concentrating deeply, and returning materials without adult intervention. This DVD transforms theoretical understanding into observable reality, showing how Montessori environments cultivate the child's natural love of learning through respectful observation rather than direct instruction.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Create a quiet viewing environment with notepad for observations. Set aside 45-60 minutes for uninterrupted viewing. Prepare specific observation focus points before starting.
- 1
Watch the introduction to understand the classroom context and age groups featured
Note the arrangement of the environment and accessibility of materials - 2
Observe one child's complete work cycle from selection to completion
Document the child's decision-making process and concentration levels - 3
Focus on teacher interventions and presentations shown
Notice the economy of words and precision of movements - 4
Identify examples of peer learning and social interactions
Observe how children respect others' work space and concentration - 5
Review specific material presentations demonstrated
Pause to analyze hand positions and movement sequences
Every Child Is a Little Creator
Heritage
Since 1929
Brands used by
schools worldwide
European brands
AMI
Endorsed
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