MONTESSORI 101            

Montessori is a child-centered alternative educational method, based on theories of child development originated by Italian doctor and educator, Maria Montessori (1870-1952), whose career was dedicated to the study of children.

She discovered that the characteristics at each stage of human development are unique, and that the foundation of the whole personality is laid during the early years of life. In her medical practice, her clinical observations led her to analyze how children learn. After extensive research, she concluded that they build themselves from what they find in their environment.

Montessori education is a combination of philosophy, psychology, educational theory, and instructional materials guided by an understanding of developmental stages and respect for individual characteristics. Through her years of experience with children around the world, Dr. Montessori proved that children are able to learn to read, write and calculate as easily and naturally as they learn to walk and talk. Children develop practical and intellectual abilities through individual discovery and exploration of language, mathematics, geography, geometry, art and music. Teachers keep detailed records and notes about each individual child’s lessons. Progress in social and emotional development is also noted.

The Montessori classroom allows children to learn independently in an environment carefully prepared and monitored by an educator trained to work with children of that specific age group. Each child has the same teacher for three years. This strengthens the bond between teacher, child, and parents. Multi-age grouping allows the child to proceed at an individualized pace. Older children build their self-esteem by helping younger children. Younger children learn language and social skills by observing older children.