About Montessori

The Montessori program’s educational experience is based on the continuing self-discovery of the child and his/her acclimation to the learning process through every stage of personal development. It builds on the continuing self-construction of the child – daily, weekly, yearly – for the duration of the educational experience. Each of our classrooms have multi age groupings that foster peer learning, uninterrupted blocks of work time, and guided choice of work activity. 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. This arrangement also mirrors the real world, where individuals work and socialize with people of all ages and dispositions.

What is the Montessori Philosophy?

The Montessori philosophy utilizes the changing characteristics and sensitivities of each developmental stage of the child, and integrates and interweaves all curriculum areas into a systematic method of education.

How is a Montessori Classroom different from other classrooms?

A Montessori classroom is peaceful, calm, and happy. Montessori students treat classroom materials, teachers, and other students with respect. Montessori students display patience, resistance to temptation, and choose to focus and concentrate for long periods of time. The Montessori classroom is a cheerful social community where children happily help each other. Learning social grace and courtesy are an integral part of the Montessori curriculum. The routine of the Montessori program is based upon the principle of freedom of choice rather than on set times for prescribed activities. Since everything in the Montessori environment is something that is worthwhile and educational, a child is free to work by choosing materials that fit his or her needs and interests. The materials in a Montessori classroom are carefully designed and thoroughly researched to meet the developmental needs and characteristics of children. The Montessori curriculum is systematic and carefully sequenced according to principles of development. Every activity is carefully thought out to build upon previous preparation, and to lead the intelligence on to a higher activity.

What is the role of a Montessori Teacher in a classroom?

Montessori teachers observe and guide children to allow them to progress through the learning materials. Most of the time the teacher will give a lesson to an individual child. Small group lessons are also given. Individual attention helps the Montessori teacher to be deeply familiar with every child, and to respond to their individual needs. Montessori teachers show great respect for all children and their unique abilities.

What are the benefits for the child?

Observers of the Montessori children have described them as having developed self-discipline, self-knowledge, and independence, as well as enthusiasm for learning, an organized approach to problem-solving, and academic skills. These children tend to be well-rounded individuals who understand their importance within their community and relate in positive ways to their natural surroundings.

What is the Montessori Method?

The basic principle of the Montessori philosophy of education is that in order to develop the physical, intellectual, and spiritual potential to the fullest, the child must have freedom – a freedom achieved through order and self-discipline. All children carry within themselves the person they will become.