How the Montessori Method is different.
A child's natural inclination is not to sit at a desk all day. The Montessori environment allows for a variety of activity as well as a great deal of movement. Some of the work is done individually, but children often enjoy working on an activity with friends in small groups or as a class together. A school composed of mixed ages enhances learning; younger children emulate older children, and older children solidify their knowledge by "guiding" the younger children.
The Montessori prepared environment respects and protects the child's rhythm of life. It is a calm, ordered space constructed to meet her needs and match her scale of activity. Here, the child experiences a blend of freedom which goes hand in hand with self-discipline.
The Montessori prepared environment respects and protects the child's rhythm of life. It is a calm, ordered space constructed to meet her needs and match her scale of activity. Here, the child experiences a blend of freedom which goes hand in hand with self-discipline.
Who was Maria Montessori?
Maria Montessori was an Italian physician, educator, and innovator, acclaimed for her educational method that builds on the way children naturally learn.
She opened the first Montessori school—the Casa dei Bambini, or Children’s House—in Rome on January 6, 1907. Subsequently, she traveled the world and wrote extensively about her approach to education, attracting many devotees. There are now more than 22,000 Montessori schools in at least 110 countries worldwide. |
Children teach themselves. This simple but profound truth inspired Montessori's lifelong pursuit of educational reform. She tirelessly dedicated herself to furthering the self-creating process of the child.
In 1952, Maria Montessori died in Holland, but her work lives on. Today, there are close to 5,000 private and approximately 200 public Montessori schools in the United States alone. Except for Antarctica, Montessori schools exist on every continent.
In 1952, Maria Montessori died in Holland, but her work lives on. Today, there are close to 5,000 private and approximately 200 public Montessori schools in the United States alone. Except for Antarctica, Montessori schools exist on every continent.
"The greatest gifts we can give our child are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence."
- Maria Montessori
- Maria Montessori