maria Montessori’s Vision for Adolescents

Maria Montessori’s vision for adolescence is a period in human development she calls Erdkinder, meaning Children of the Earth. This is arguably one of the misunderstood parts of her educational philosophy. Montessori philosophy believes that traditional education does not support the fundamental needs of adolescent development. How does the term Erdkinder apply in the educational sense? According to Montessori philosophy, adolescents should live together on a working farm. The farm is the prepared environment for the adolescent community. With community as the key word. Adolescents not only learn but they contribute. The land provides the perfect environment for Humanities, Science, Geography and Micro-enconomy.

Social Life: Adolescents learn the “art of living” through a community of peers and adult mentors with conflict resolution, cooperative work and shared responsibility.

Economic Independence: By running the micro-economies of the farm, adolescents learn “valorization of self” meaning that their work has value to society. They are worthy contributors to society.

There is a Three-Fold Curriculum encompassing head, heart and hands:

Self Expression: Self expression is one of the most important parts of the curriculum for adolescents. Music, Art and Drama help them process the extreme emotions of puberty. It provides a type of therapy to help them “get their emotions out” in a positive way.

Psychic Development- In the traditional sense this would be where the academic work falls. It is a common misinterpretation  that Montessori adolescent programs do not support academic work. This is untrue. Because of the tangible use of the materials, it can actually help students to develop a deeper, more full understanding. When you are experiencing something first hand it helps to ingrain the knowledge more.  With the farm, adolescents study “the progress of humans throughout time,” through history, science,language and micro-economy.

Practical Life:Real-world work such as: bookkeeping, farming, cooking and construction but in an applicable sense. 

Working the farm for Montessori wasn’t about turning adolescents into farmers. The manual labor helps create a sense of valorization, and helps to manage adolescents' fluctuating emotions. The term “valorization” is very important in Montessori adolescent development. She noticed that adolescents often feel as if they are the “misfits of society” wondering where they fit in and how they can make a meaningful impact. Valorization occurs when an adolescent realizes they are capable, they can provide for themselves and others. That they have a place in society. By managing a working farm they are engaging in the real work of humanity.

Written by: Lisa McKenzie, Farm School KC, lead guide