“I have studied the child. I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it, and that is what is called the Montessori method.”
– Maria Montessori
Dr. Maria Montessori, born in Italy in 1870, developed an educational theory and practice that has been adopted by early childhood centers worldwide. Children of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds have benefited from her approach. She employed keen observation of and respect for the work children do in the construction of their individual personalities—what she called “the development of the human potential.”
A core belief of the Montessori approach is that young children learn best by actively exploring their environment. They use hands-on materials and build upon their natural curiosity to make sense of the world about them.
In the Montessori classroom, children select from among activities the teacher has prepared. They spend their time working at their own pace of learning, either individually or in small groups. Because each child may be at a different stage of skills acquisition, the classroom contains materials for a wide range of development interests. Teachers add more complex materials or ideas to the environment based on their observation of each child’s needs.
Skills in reading and math are incorporated into a variety of activities such as geography, science, art, music, cooking, etc. Equally important is the learning atmosphere, which fosters a sense of belonging, self-confidence, and respect for the rights of others.
Read more about the Montessori Philosophy
Courtesy: Association Montessori Internationale