An interest in Montessori education is on the rise—with its emphasis on hands-on, self-directed learning. And it was this child-focused approach that inspired teacher Julia Brown to bring this form of education to Maryland. She was motivated by her own experiences in traditional classrooms and sought to find a way to emulate the teaching experience she admired.
She opened her first Montessori school in 1967. Now, fifty years after opening one of the first Montessori schools in the state of Maryland, The Julia Brown Schools still put children first. With a vast array of programming for toddlers to third graders, and before- and after-care programs, students at the Julia Brown Schools develop concentration, order, coordination and independence to help them succeed throughout their lives.
In an interview with the school’s founder Julia Brown, she opens up about what motivated her and why she finds Montessori education so beneficial.
1. What originally got you interested in Montessori education?
I was looking for a method of education that encouraged and recognized the individuality of children’s learning styles. The children were taught as a group and there was no place for individual attention. This experience was not meeting the goals I was seeking for the children. Mr. Charles Brown, my husband, discovered and began researching the Montessori method and together we decided to create this opportunity for children in our own school.
I was trained with the first group of educators in the Montessori method of education in the United States by Margaret Humphries and Phoebe Childs. These women had worked directly with Dr. Montessori in London. Montessori classes allow children to progress at their own pace and encourage the children to be respectful of each other and the environment.
2. How does the Montessori Method of teaching differ from traditional teaching?
The Montessori method is based on individual learning with hands on equipment in an uncluttered, calm and productive environment. Through trained staff we focus on respect, dignity, self- discipline, and self- worth.
3. Do you have any tried and trusted ideas or activities for motivating young students?
The Montessori classroom with the Montessori equipment is developmentally appropriate and interesting to the child. This coupled with the ability to move to the next activity as mastery is internalized motivates the children to enjoy the challenge. The Montessori classroom is mixed-aged and this allows for role models for the children to observe. The mixed-aged classroom also allows the older children to develop empathy for the younger children and to work with them. In my experience, presenting lessons in a quiet dignified manner engages the child in the lesson and motivates the child to work with the lesson.
4. In this tech-fueled world, why do you think technology-free classrooms are beneficial rather than a limitation?
Children today are digital natives, technology is second nature and does not need to be taught. Children need to work concretely at this stage of development and not in the abstract. For example, tracing sandpaper letters to recognize the phonetic sound uses the senses to internalize phonetics. Children enjoy and take pride in their work.
5. Outside of the classroom, what are some things parents of young children can do to help enhance their child’s learning ability?
Reading aloud with your child is an important part of the development of the reading process and reading for pleasure. Try and take time to enjoy this technology free moment with your child every day. We work with parents to have structure and consistency with the children. Children need to know the security of their environment.
6. After years of working in early childhood education, what is the greatest thing you’ve learned?
After 50 years I realize how fortunate I have been. The pleasure of the company of thousands of children has been a blessing. They have taught me the beauty of learning at an early age and how much that early learning helps to be a good citizen, a peaceful person and dignified in all undertakings in life.
