by Pamela Shanks, M.S. Ed.
Montessori classroom-based interventions support development across ages, grade levels, and curricular areas. They are designed to be used by adults regardless of their knowledge, training or experience with inclusive or Montessori education. While the interventions are aligned with Montessori practices and pedagogy, they can be used in traditional classrooms or by families looking for answers and support strategies.
So what are the characteristics of Montessori classroom-based interventions?
Montessori Classroom-Based Interventions are “how to” steps that support learners by increasing their ability to access and use materials and to demonstrate learning and development. They are:
- Simple: They are easy to understand and implement.
- Flexible: They are easily adjusted or removed based on the child’s response.
- Intentional: They are selected carefully and based on relevant background information and observations to address observed or identified needs.
- Focused: They enhance children’s ability to use materials, participate in activities and demonstrate learning and development.
- Research-Informed: They are supported by research and based on best practice techniques.
- Montessori: They maintain the authenticity of the Montessori experience.
Perhaps most importantly, classroom-based interventions support children’s learning by making work with materials more efficient and effective. These learners generally require extra practice to achieve mastery, so it is critical to encourage and optimize every moment. Practice can lead to progress, but when adults intentionally select interventions to support practice, the chances of success are improved.
Example: A Black Mat
This is a simple, flexible, intentional, focused, research-informed intervention that is aligned with Montessori practice. Find out more in this episode of Voices in Montessori!
Listen now!
The Montessori Approach to Classroom-Based Interventions by Pamela Shanks explores nine common differences found in classrooms all over the world: differences related to sensory processing and sensory modulation, auditory and visual processing, language development and articulation, executive function, attention, and an in-depth exploration of the factors that lead to meltdowns.
Each of these nine distinct developmental differences are defined and explained by providing examples of observable characteristics and stories from the author’s own classroom. The vast majority of each chapter, however, is dedicated to Montessori classroom-based interventions. Lists of easy to understand, flexible, research informed interventions allow adults to intentionally select interventions that meet observable or identified differences focused on supporting practice and long-term success.
