Who is Montessori? Maria Montessori, (1870—1952), was the first female physician in Italy. Her life's work began in 1906, when she opened her Casa dei Bambini in the slums of Rome. Through careful observation, she discovered the young child's remarkable ability to learn spontaneously and joyfully, which she called the “absorbent mind.” The child's powerful process of self-creation inspired Montessori to a lifetime of dedication as a teacher, educational reformer, child advocate, and spokeswoman for world peace through human development. Maria Montessori believed that education could be a powerful force in creating more responsible and caring individuals, and that through observation, individual choice, and a carefully prepared environment great success is possible. Today there are approximately 5,000 private and public Montessori schools in the United States and many more on every continent in the world.
What is Montessori? This educational philosophy is based on the work of Maria Montessori who saw a great need to reform the educational system of the time. She devoted her lifetime to creating schools that develop the full potential of each individual child using the following tenets:
Individual learning. Montessori education recognizes that each child learns at a different pace and we allow time for that growth to take place. The Montessori method is based on deep respect for and understanding of child development.
Multi-age groupings of children within a classroom. Each classroom has a three-year age span. These groupings are a recognition that each child develops in a unique manner and at his or her pace. Multi-age classrooms also provide the necessary opportunities for older children to be role models for the younger students, both reinforcing their own learning and building self-esteem.
An emphasis on concrete learning first, which provides a firm foundation for abstraction. Belief that children need to experience concepts in concrete ‘hands-on’ ways before they can truly think abstractly.
Working for the joy of learning and sense of discovery. Montessori students are deeply interested in learning and understanding the work itself.
Learning in an inquiring, cooperative, and nurturing atmosphere. Students increase their own knowledge through self and teacher-initiated experiences.
Teachers specially trained in the Montessori method. In addition to curriculum instruction and Montessori philosophy, teacher education includes child development, teaching strategies, observation, and leadership skills.
Classroom environments carefully prepared by the teacher so that they are welcoming, child-centered, orderly, and stimulating. A thoughtfully prepared environment facilitates the child’s exploration and creativity.
Large blocks of uninterrupted work time. Classroom schedules allow students the time to problem solve, see the interdisciplinary connections of knowledge, and to construct new ideas.