The Montessori
Method
The Montessori Method of teaching and learning is pinned on the understanding of three elements; the learning environment, the teacher and the child.
THE ENVIRONMENT
The Montessori classroom is a home away from home, a happy place full of friends where each child can be themselves. It is a place full of interesting things to do, but also a place where you can take time out and just be quiet if you want to. It is somewhere where you can grow up knowing that you belong and that you are special. There are six essential components to the prepared environment: freedom, structure and order, reality and nature, beauty and atmosphere, the didactic materials, and the development of community life.
​
The layout of the classroom encourages exploration, communication and the development of relationships on all levels. Everything reflects a dedication to quality, beauty and to the children’s abilities to do things for themselves.
​
Everything in a Montessori classroom is made to be easily accessible to the children. She wanted the children to feel that the schoolroom belonged to them rather than the teachers.
THE CHILDREN
The children learn to manage their own learning through the use of individual planners, developing the ability to pace themselves by getting their work done but also managing their own time to follow activities of their own choice. In this way, the students develop self-discipline and an understanding of commitment and responsibility.
​
THE TEACHER
The role of the teacher is instrumental in fostering an environment that supports student-centered learning and development; emphasis is placed on the development of independence, freedom within limits and respect for each child’s individuality.
​
Who was Dr. Maria Montessori
Dr Montessori, born in Italy 1870, became the first women doctor in her country. Her early work was with retarded and very poor children. Through close observation and experimentation, Dr Montessori devised a system of education that helped handicapped and deprived children learn, as well as normal and average children. The first school that Dr Montessori established in the over populated district of Rome, was known as ‘Casa di Bambini’ or the Children’s House, within which her methods became world-known. Schools and teachers training centres have been established in many countries in many corners of the world, and the methods adapted to suit the needs of different culture and societies.
The Montessori way offers a sensible, structured system that allows a child to develop at his/her own pace, using his/her own abilities, with the guidance of a trained Montessori directress, and the use of specially designed Montessori materials.
The Montessori Method ensures that all areas of the child’s development are catered for; emotional, social, physical, intellectual and spiritual. Each child will learn to work alone and with others in the carefully structured environment selecting work that appeals to his/her own interests. The Montessori classroom is non/competitive and therefore your child has many opportunities for success.