METHODOLOGY FOR FORMING CHILDREN’S LOGICAL THINKING THROUGH MONTESSORI MATERIALS IN PRESCHOOL EDUCATION
Keywords:
Montessori materials, preschool education, logical thinking, cognitive developmentAbstract
This thesis explores the methodology for forming children’s logical thinking through Montessori materials in preschool education. Logical thinking in early childhood develops through comparison, classification, sequencing, analysis, synthesis, generalization and the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships. Montessori pedagogy provides a scientifically organized educational environment where children acquire these skills through independent activity, sensory experience and purposeful manipulation of didactic materials. The purpose of this thesis is to determine the pedagogical and methodological opportunities of Montessori materials in developing logical thinking among preschool children. The study is based on theoretical analysis of Montessori pedagogy, preschool didactics and cognitive development theories. The findings show that Montessori materials support gradual intellectual development by connecting concrete practical actions with elementary forms of abstract reasoning. The methodology is effective when the teacher organizes a prepared environment, presents materials consistently, observes the child’s activity and creates conditions for self-correction and independent discovery.
References
Montessori M. The Montessori Method: Scientific Pedagogy as Applied to Child Education in “The Children’s Houses”. – New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1912. – 377 p.
Montessori M. The Absorbent Mind. – Oxford: Clio Press, 1988. – 315 p.
Montessori M. The Discovery of the Child. – Oxford: Clio Press, 1988. – 352 p.
Standing E. M. Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work. – New York: Plume, 1984. – 382 p.
Lillard A. S. Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius. – 3rd ed. – New York: Oxford University Press, 2017. – 496 p.
Piaget J. The Psychology of Intelligence. – London: Routledge, 2001. – 224 p.
Vygotsky L. S. Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. – Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1978. – 159 p.
Isaacs B. Understanding the Montessori Approach: Early Years Education in Practice. – London: Routledge, 2018. – 188 p.
