Montessori’s Method in Activity Sessions

As an AC we are always looking for the best way to engage our residents.  The Montessori principle is a great concept was developed by Maria Montessori ,an Italian doctor and educator who, in the early 20th century created an educational method of rehabilitation to teach children with mental disabilities. The method eventually expanded to encompass a new way of teaching mainstream children.

About  thirty years ago, Dr Cameron Camp, an American research scientist in the field of ageing, adapted the Montessori’s method to treat people suffering from Alzheimer’s and related disorders. Dr Camp’s adaptation of the Montessori method sought to engage the senses and evoke positive emotions. It involves stimulation of the cognitive, social, and functional skills of each individual.

The original Montessori Method for dementia care recommended a one-to-one approach, which poses a  challenge to care homes due to lack of staff numbers. one way around this is if you volunteers they can be trained in the principles of the method and help assist.

The Montessori method is a good one to consider when doing one to one with residents especially those who may not venture out of their rooms and need personalized activities created for them and can work well with small groups.

 Be aware that the monthly “Activity Program” differs from the Montessori-based activities in that the implementation and application of the latter is more specialized. It is very important to follow the Montessori principles if you want to achieve the therapeutic results.

Here are some of the fundamental principles of the method:

• Use everyday materials that can be held and manipulated
• Activities should match interests and skills of participants.
• Activities should take into account past experiences and preferences of participants.
• Adapt activities to the cognitive and physical status of participants.
• Break down activities into smaller steps according to needs.
• Facilitator should match the speed of the activity to the abilities of participants
• Progress from simple to complex and from concrete to abstract or vice versa as needed.
• Demonstrate the activity. While demonstrating place something related to the activity in the hands of participants.
• Encourage/assist with a minimum of vocalization (serene atmosphere).
• Evaluate each session to determine if activity was successful or requires modification.

How to conduct a Montessori-based Session

Assemble activities together into kits according to instructions on the Montessori Manuals and then:

• Prepare the environment: Activities should be contained in labelled kits and placed on shelves with easy access for residents to see and choose from.
• Set up the room: Set up the table, diminish noise and remove distractions. The smaller the group the better e.g. 3 to 4 participants.
• Invite: Invite and motivate participants to walk with you to the shelf and choose the kit they would prefer.
• Demonstrate: Demonstrate the activity with as few words as possible and then hand it to them and suggest they do likewise.
• No Pressure: The focus should be on progress (engagement, enjoyment, and feedback) not the outcome.
• Guidance: Every participant should have an activity that he can successfully handle. Facilitator sit on the dominant side of a participant and provide guidance as needed. Be aware that sometimes participants may want to use materials to create something other than the activity was created for. In this case consider if participant engagement is strong and if so, let them be. There is no right or wrong way. Later, you may (or may not) offer assistance by asking if they think there is another way of doing the activity; demonstrate again if necessary.
• Thank you: At the end of the session, thank participants and invite them to another session.

Here are a few homemade ideas based on the Montessori’s approach you can find on Golden Carers.

• Matching Shapes
• Matching Colours
• Colour Sorting
• Picture Puzzle
• Pairing Pictures
• Sensory boxes

Issues that may arise

Be aware that issues are bound to arise during a session; participants may get agitated or bored, or may infringe on the space of their peers. Here are some things that can happen and some suggestions on how to handle it.

• Lose focus – Re-establish eye contact, speak gently and softly, touch arm or shoulder and ask for their ‘help’ a little longer.
• Walk out – Use the same approach as above, and if unsuccessful, walk with them for a little while and then invite them to return to the table.
• Lose interest – Start working on the activity yourself and then hand it back. If that fails let them have another choice of activity.
• Place small objects in their mouths – Thorough supervision is necessary at all times.

( Source Golden Carers )  Why not give this method a try. 

Until the next time keep shining,

Ann Marie x