What is Montessori?
Montessori is an educational philosophy and practice that fosters structured, self-motivated growth for children and adolescents in all areas of their development, with a goal to nurturing each child’s natural desire for knowledge, understanding, and respect.
This method encourages the child to move freely, engage in their surroundings, and explore. It values the human spirit and the whole child through their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Respect is the foundation for the Montessori method. Teachers instill respect and kindness in children by showing them to each child.
Children Are Shown Respect
Children Have Absorbent Minds
The young mind is ready and eager to learn. Children learn from their environments, and they are always absorbing new information.
Montessori believed children can learn concepts naturally during their sensitive periods. Teachers watch for these sensitive periods to make sure children are provided resources and opportunities for optimal learning.
Sensitive Periods are Crucial for Learning
Children learn best in a prepared environment
Children learn best in a prepared environment equipped with resources and opportunities that encourage independent active learning and exploring. Teachers can prepare these environments by observing children; providing a variety of materials; organizing resources so children can easily find them.
Auto education means children can teach themselves through active exploration. Teachers can encourage children to learn and explore by introducing them to new materials in the prepared environment, and encouraging exploration.