Montessori Education, Philosophy & Methods
The Montessori Method of education, created by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a child-centered approach grounded in scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. With over 100 years of proven success across diverse cultures worldwide, this method has stood the test of time.
At its core, the Montessori Method views children as naturally curious and capable of directing their own learning, provided they are in a carefully prepared, supportive environment. This approach emphasizes the development of the whole child—physical, social, emotional, and cognitive—and values the nurturing of the human spirit.
Hallmarks of Montessori
For a program to be considered authentically Montessori, several key components must be present. These include multiage groupings that encourage peer learning, uninterrupted blocks of work time, and opportunities for guided choice in selecting activities. Additionally, a complete set of specially designed Montessori materials must be carefully organized and readily available in an aesthetically pleasing environment.
In a Montessori classroom, the teacher, child, and environment form a dynamic learning triangle. The teacher prepares the environment to promote independence, freedom within limits, and a sense of order. The child interacts with the environment through individual choice, using the materials and resources available to develop their skills, while turning to the teacher for guidance and support when needed.
Multiage groupings are a central feature of the Montessori Method. In this setup, younger children learn from older peers, while older children reinforce their knowledge by teaching concepts they have already mastered. This arrangement reflects the real world, where people of different ages and backgrounds collaborate and interact.
In early childhood, Montessori students engage in sensory-motor activities, using hands-on materials to develop their cognitive abilities through direct experiences involving sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, and movement.
Dr. Montessori observed that children experience sensitive periods, or windows of opportunity, as they grow. As their students develop, Montessori teachers match appropriate lessons and materials to these sensitive periods when learning is most naturally absorbed and internalized.
