The Montessori Method

Dr. Maria Montessori

Dr. Maria Montessori was born in Italy on August 31, 1870.  She was born to a well-respected family and was expected to grow up to fulfill the traditional role for the Italian woman.  Instead, she pursued an advanced degree at the University of Rome and became the first woman physician. Her interests drew her to work with children, initially those who were disadvantaged and had special needs.

Because of her training as an anthropologist, Montessori's decisions about working with children were made by observing them first.  She was not trained as an educator and thus her decisions were based upon watching what children did and what they were attracted to.  Through her observations and trial and error, she developed what became known as the Montessori Method of Education.  It was a radical departure in Montessori's own time.  She did not place children in restricting environments but instead designed the environment to reflect the children.  Tables and chairs were child-sized and materials were placed on low shelves to be readily accessible to the students.  In addition, many of the activities were designed to teach children how to become more independent and to do things for themselves.

Montessori continued throughout her life to work for the betterment of the lives of children, founding training centers for teachers and dispersing this method of education throughout the world.  During her later years, her focus became centered on educating children to promote the principles of peace.  Her legacy has been the establishment of Montessori schools around the world, which promote the cause of the child as a citizen of the world.  

Montessori Education

Montessori education is a system for the education of children from birth through age 18.  It is based upon the principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori through her observations of children throughout her life.

The focus of this system is the development of materials, educational techniques, and observations that support the natural development of children.  The teacher in a Montessori classroom serves less as an "instructor" and more as a guide and facilitator.  Children are encouraged to "learn how to learn," thus gaining independence and self-confidence.  Because the method is based upon developmentally appropriate activities, the child often learns through the process of education by doing.

The Montessori school is designed to accommodate various stages of development in children that occur in roughly 3 year cycles:  birth to three years of age, three to six years of age, six to nine years of age, and nine to twelve years of age. By spending three years in an environment, it allows greater flexibility in meeting each child's individual needs, while enduring fewer social transitions.  The environment becomes the "teacher" with the child as the initiator of his/her own education.  The multi-age classroom also creates a community in which children of different ages cooperate instead of compete with each other.  This leads to feelings of respect for each other and a productive work environment.

Montessori FAQs

What is the key concept of Montessori Education?

Montessori is a philosophy with the fundamental tenet that a child learns best within a social environment that supports each individual's development.  What makes Montessori education unique is the "whole child" approach.  The primary goal of a Montessori program is to help each child reach full potential in all areas of life.  Activities promote the development of cognitive skills, social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination.  The holistic curriculum under the guidance of a specially prepared teacher, provides children with the opportunity to enjoy the process of learning as they create their knowledge and develop their personalities.

Why does a Montessori classroom have three year age groups?

Most educators agree that younger children learn well from older children.  In a Montessori classroom, students are given the opportunity to teach and be taught by other students.  Each student benefits from the example of the older student, and he or she will soon be the "leader" of the class, setting the example for others to follow.  Older children learn, in part, by teaching the younger ones.  A lesson is perfected when a student is able to give that lesson to a peer.  Upon completion of the Montessori three year cycle, the child has experienced being the oldest, the middle child, and the youngest child.  In our position in our family, we remain in one position for our entire life.  In our Montessori classroom family, we experience all positions.

How will my child later adjust to a traditional classroom?

Montessori students have a love of learning.  This will transfer to any school setting that is stimulating and challenging.  There will be some adjustments to the learning environment; however, the desire to explore new academic avenues can be met within the traditional classroom if the teacher is enthusiastic and provides the opportunity for learning.