About Maria Montessori
Montessori education is an educational approach developed by Italian physician and educator, Maria Montessori. In 1907 Maria Montessori opened her first classroom, the Casa dei Bambini or Children’s house, in Rome. From the beginning, Montessori based her work on her observations of children and experimentation with the environment, materials, and lessons.
The Montessori Philosophy
Montessori education is characterised by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits and respect for a child’s natural psychological development. The Association Montessori International cite the following elements as essential:
- Mixed age classrooms
- Student choice of activity from within a prescribed range of options
- Uninterrupted blocks of work time
- A constructivism or “discovery” model, where students learn concepts from working with materials rather than by direct instruction
- Specialised educational materials
A few things to expect in a Montessori school
Montessori Focus Areas
- Life education based on respect and love for self, others and the environment
- Developing the human potential; Making the connection between life and the universe
- Embracing home, school and the greater community as part of the educational approach
- Offering a learning environment of minimal interruptions and interferences
- Nurturing relationships that satisfy the true needs of the child
The Excellent Education
- Self-confidence and self-esteem
- A sense of achievement and self-worth
- A sense of responsibility for themselves and their actions
- Independence and adaptability
- Cooperation with others and a sense of community
- Respect for the rights and needs of others
- Initiative and self-motivation
- Concentration and persistence in completing a task