About Montessori

The term Montessori embodies both a philosophy and a method of education. It is based on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, a noted Italian educator and physician (1870 – 1952), who revolutionized early education by advocating that children be allowed the freedom to explore and develop his or their own creative potential through a wealth of self-teaching educational materials.

Montessori operates on the principle of freedom within limits. Every programme has its set of ground rules which differs from age to age, but is always based on core Montessori beliefs: respect for each other and for the environment.
Montessori programmes focus on the development of each child's full potential using teachers specially trained in the Montessori method and philosophy, using both concrete teaching materials and a well-defined innovative curriculum tailored to a three-year cycle.

What Makes Montessori education unique?

The primary goal is to help each child reach his or her full potential. Activities promote the development of social skills, emotional growth and physical co-ordination, as well as cognitive preparation. The holistic curriculum allows the child to experience the joy of learning and to develop self-esteem and independence.

The Prepared Environment

In order for self-directed learning to take place, the whole learning environment – room, materials and social climate – must be supportive of the learner. The directress provides necessary resources, including opportunities for children to function in a safe and positive climate. The directress thus gains the children's trust, which enables them to try new things and build self-confidence.

The Montessori Materials

Dr. Montessori's observations of the kinds of materials which children enjoy and return to play with repeatedly led her to design a number of multi-sensory sequential and self-correcting materials which facilitate learning of skills and concepts. They include hands-on mathematical materials and activities to develop the child's sensory perceptions and refine his sense of awareness.

The teacher is called a "Directress"

The Montessori teacher functions as a facilitator of learning. She is a role model, designer of the environment, resource person, demonstrator, record-keeper and observer of each child's growth and development. She encourages respect, and loves each child as a special, unique individual; she also provides support for parents and joins them in a partnership to nurture the development of the child.

Montessori Articles

These are a few websites and books we find useful for more information on the Montessori Method. Click on the links below each of the pictures to get more information.

Understanding Montessori: A Guide for Parents seeks to help parents see the power that Montessori education holds for their children at all ages.

Follow the link below to buy your own copy; 
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Understanding Montessori: A Guide for Parents

The Montessori Mafia: an article published on the Wall Street Journal website, bringing to light the importance of Montessori Education as the doorway to creative thinking.

Follow the link below to read the article;

​The Montessori Mafia