"Education should therefore include the two forms of work, manual and intellectual, for the same person, and thus make it understood by practical experience that these two kinds complete each other and are equally essential to a civilized existence."
- Maria Montessori From Childhood to Adolescence
- Maria Montessori From Childhood to Adolescence
The Montessori Adolescent Program (ages 12-15) is the culmination of the child’s experience as a Montessori student. Adolescents need to construct themselves as responsible individuals who participate as contributing members of society. All adolescents ask: “Who am I? Where do I fit in? What contribution can I make?" Adolescence is a time of intense transformation, including profound changes in the structure of the brain. While traditional education often teaches facts that are isolated from life outside the classroom, the Montessori adolescent program offers lessons with practical applications that allow students to make improvements in their community. “What will I use this for?” is another often-asked question of the adolescent, as he is determined to use knowledge to DO something in the world.
In order to respond to the adolescent’s needs, the Montessori Adolescent Program is designed to meet the adolescent where they are, build on the strengths of this developmental period, and ready the students for adulthood. There are three key components that are unique to Montessori education for this age group that I believe set the adolescent up for future success. They are: 1) a week-long internship program, 2) the establishment of a business enterprise, and 3) ongoing community service opportunities. Through these programs, students experience firsthand practical roles that provide them with greater connections to society and the world.
Look for the next few posts to detail information about each of these experiences that we offer at LifeSong. I will share how they prepare the adolescent to enter the next phase of their education armed with critical characteristics to become successful adults.
Written by Maggie Wertz, Adolescent Guide
In order to respond to the adolescent’s needs, the Montessori Adolescent Program is designed to meet the adolescent where they are, build on the strengths of this developmental period, and ready the students for adulthood. There are three key components that are unique to Montessori education for this age group that I believe set the adolescent up for future success. They are: 1) a week-long internship program, 2) the establishment of a business enterprise, and 3) ongoing community service opportunities. Through these programs, students experience firsthand practical roles that provide them with greater connections to society and the world.
Look for the next few posts to detail information about each of these experiences that we offer at LifeSong. I will share how they prepare the adolescent to enter the next phase of their education armed with critical characteristics to become successful adults.
Written by Maggie Wertz, Adolescent Guide
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