The Montessori method views the child as one who is naturally eager for knowledge. It values the human spirit and the development of the whole child—physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.
Montessori education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori. She based her educational methods on scientific observations of children’s learning processes. Guided by her discovery that children teach themselves, Dr. Montessori designed a “prepared environment” in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally-appropriate activities.
Now, more than a century later, Montessori education is found all over the world.
Children in Montessori classes learn at their own pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, which leads to concentration, motivation, self-discipline and a love of learning.
Montessori classes are organized by developmentally-appropriate age groups, forming communities in which younger children are naturally inspired by older children. In turn, the older children learn to teach and lead, establishing their self-esteem.
The materials and the activities in the Montessori classroom are self-correcting. They are designed to stimulate independent exploration on a level that the child can understand. The children can proceed at their own pace from simple activities to more complex ones.
The Montessori materials, unlike other preschool equipment, are designed to lead the children to the discovery of specific information and for the development of certain basic learning skills. Each piece of equipment, every exercise and every material has a specific skill in order for the child to “naturally” teach him/herself.
Each of the curriculum areas has a scope, a sequence and interrelationships that clearly deliver concepts through a child’s mind. With this opportunity for exploration, the children can realize their fullest potential at each stage of their development. The children are given the freedom to learn and explore through movement and choices in a structured environment.
Through this process, the child’s natural curiosity is satisfied. Children begin to experience the joy of discovering the world around them. Students leave Montessori with strong fundamental academic skills and statistics show that Montessori children continue to excel academically, emotionally and socially.
For more information about Montessori, please visit:
Montessori Country Day 