This method of learning is an innovative, child-centered approach to education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the late 1800’s. The Montessori Method encourages self motivated growth for children in all areas of development- cognitive, social, emotional, and physical.
By combining the guidance of the teacher, the innate intelligence of children, and the prepared environment, the Montessori Method is proven to be successful within the diverse cultures of the world.
The classroom is prepared by the teacher to encourage independence, freedom within limits, and a sense of order. The child, through individual choice, makes use of what the environment offers to develop himself, interacting with the teacher when support and/or guidance is needed.
The classroom is prepared by the teacher to encourage independence, freedom within limits, and a sense of order. The child, through individual choice, makes use of what the environment offers to develop himself, interacting with the teacher when support and/or guidance is needed.
The multi-age classroom environment is designed to create opportunities for independence, the development of social skills, and responsibility for oneself. Multiage groupings are a hallmark of the Montessori Method: younger children learn from older children; older children reinforce their learning by teaching concepts they have already mastered.
In a Montessori classroom, children embrace multi-sensory learning and are encouraged to make self directed discoveries and inquiries. Given the freedom and support of the prepared environment and the opportunity for free choice learning in all areas of education, children in Montessori classrooms grow up to be confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners.
Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.
Maria Montessori
