The cornerstone of the Montessori Method is that children are to be respected for their uniqueness. Each Child is unique when it comes to learning, especially. The Montessori Method is designed to unlock the potential in each child so that they can grow cognitively, emotionally, socially, physically and psychologically. It doesn’t restrict children to the rigid agendas and processes used in traditional schools; instead it recognizes the intrinsic value and worth of each individual child.

Children need a learning environment that enables them to progress in their own way and in their own time. The Montessori Method provides that freedom to learn and, by avoiding restrictions and criticisms, it instills in children a life-long love of learning.

Montessori Philosophy:

The Montessori philosophy is based on the natural phases of childhood development and uses children’s natural inclination to explore, learn and grow as a basis for guiding this development. There are two over-riding principles that govern the Montessori Method:

1. Children need freedom to learn.

2. Learning is facilitated in a carefully prepared environment that provides new experiences and stimulation.

Children who are given the freedom and the guidance to learn in this way develop holistically, meaning intellectually, as well as physically and psychologically. A Montessori education taps into children’s desire to learn and guides them as they discover their own capabilities. Adults provide this guidance and show children that the world is full of possibilities, but it’s up to the children themselves to fully explore these possibilities.

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Key elements of the Montessori method

•    Children have an innate curiosity about the world they inhabit. Montessori Methods encourage them to explore this world in a carefully-prepared learning environment that responds to their need to learn and grow by exposing them to materials and experiences that stimulate intelligence and promote physical and psychological development. 

•    Almost all instruction at a Montessori school takes place on a one-on-one basis. This allows the directress to become familiar with and nurture the unique characteristics of each child. Individual didactic materials are always provided during group lessons to allow children to learn at their own pace. Lessons are short, concise, direct and aimed at enhancing the child’s self-worth. 
•    Montessori relies on specially designed didactic apparatus for every period of childhood development, beginning with simple learning tools for toddlers and then gradually moving on to more complex materials. Each piece or set of equipment is designed to provide the child with a clear-cut experience and then gradually lead to more complicated tasks. 

•    At Montessori schools the child is guided to make free and intelligent choices. All learning materials are placed within the child’s reach and the general classroom environment is bright and comprised of living things such as plants and pets, which the child learns to care for. The Montessori Method groups children vertically in age groups: two-and-a-half to six years old. This family-type structure encourages younger children to learn from older ones, and encourages the older children to be role models for their younger counterparts. It also creates a pervasive context of security, as learners remain under the care of one directress for a longer period of time. 

•    Since the emphasis is on learning rather than teaching, the directress plays an enabling role. As such, she prepares and maintains the classroom to ensure that everything needed is within the children’s reach. She is consistently available to respond to the needs of her learners and serves as a positive and inspiring role model who guides them towards self-study, independence, and self-confidence.