Dr. Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator who began her pioneering work in 1906 with underserved children in one of Rome’s most impoverished neighborhoods. Fueled by her passion for science and child development, she discovered that when children were provided with engaging, hands-on materials, they not only had the capacity to learn but also cultivated a genuine love for learning.
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The Montessori method is based on the principles of independence, freedom within limits and respect. Dr Montessori believed that the purpose of education was to cultivate a child’s natural desire and inclination to learn. Through doing, rather than only listening to facts, children are able to learn concepts easily and to develop their natural curiosity, confidence and concentration which is the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
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A Montessori classroom is made up of a prepared environment, knowledgeable adults, and happy children. The prepared environment is a structured and ordered space that facilitates the natural, social and intellectual development needs of the child. The environment consists of five sections: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Culture. The Montessori guides are trained to be conscientious observers, allowing children the freedom of choice in their work, but knowing when to step in to assist or present a new exercise when the time is right.
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From the humblest of beginnings, when the first Casa dei Bambini was opened in 1907 by Dr Montessori, there are now more than 20,000 Montessori schools in 110 countries worldwide, boasting an impressive host of alumni such as Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Larry Page and Sergei Brin (Google), and Anne Frank amongst many others.
Dr. Montessori
WHY AUTHENTIC
MONTESSORI
Mixed Age Groups
There are a few key features that differentiate a Montessori environment from a traditional classroom:
​Mixed age groups are one of the most differentiating aspects of Montessori environments and certainly a feature that highlights its uniqueness.
Rather than grouping children according to their year of birth, the Montessori environment groups children within their phases of development, which span roughly over three years each.
In Montessori environments, children 18 months to 3 years, 6 – 9 years, and 9-12 years will be grouped together. This not only simulates the “real world”, but also creates opportunities for peer learning and leadership – older children love helping their younger counterparts and younger children love to learn from the older children, compounding on the connection that children naturally share with one another.
Teachers Who Direct and Guide
We refer to our teachers as Guides due to the nature of them being facilitators of learning rather than imparters of content. Guides will do short presentations to introduce new material or concepts, and then observe the child or group engage with the activity and monitor progress, ready to assist where necessary but allowing the children to problem solve and learn independently as well.
The teaching style is characterized by constant monitoring and record-keeping as children progress to master a concept. Learning is differentiated according to the needs of students and allows them to progress at their own pace, promoting independence, self-direction and ultimately a love for discovery and learning.
The Prepared Environment
and Freedom of Choice:
Montessori environments are expertly prepared to accommodate the needs of the children. The workspaces contain specially designed equipment that makes learning concepts fun and easy, enhancing the natural learning experience.
Children have the freedom to choose what they would like to learn as the environment is designed for them. Children naturally progress from easier topics to more advanced ones as they work through the ordered shelves and spaces.
In a Montessori environment, learning happens naturally through play, discovery, and guidance from prepared adults.
A hallmark of Montessori education is promoting independence and self-direction within clear boundaries.