Montessori Approach The term Montessori has become a household name, all due to one woman's passion and determination.
Dr. Maria Montessori
Montessori Historical Legacy
Dr. Maria Montessori was Italy's first female doctor. Her earliest work began with impoverished children with disabilities in Rome's poorest areas. Through scientific observations of the children she discovered children's natural tendency to learn. Using her knowledge she designed practical sensorial activities that enabled the children to learn independently. She mastered the art of learning, and set forth the foundation for what became the Montessori Method of learning. In 1907 she opened the first Montessori based school. Her school's success has enabled the Montessori method to become a keystone of many private and public schools throughout the world today.
Montessori Classroom
It is the child's classroom to explore as they desire. Children's natural curiosities are developed at the pace that suits them best. Educators are there to facilitate what children unknowingly understand. All materials are suited for the child to understand concepts such as mathematics, language, science, and develop practical life skills. Materials are self-correcting allowing children to attain an independence and confidence in their own work. Mixed aged classrooms allow learning to occur at multiple levels. Children will have an opportunity to be both teacher and student to their peers. Peer learning and self- discovery are key to promoting a life time respect and desire to learn. The overall goal of Montessori is to promote a lifetime love for learning.
Free choice is one of the highest of all mental processes ~Dr. Maia Montessori