The Montessori Method
The Montessori Method was developed by Dr Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to be trained as a physician.
Help me to do it by myself" ... the Montessori Approach offers a broad vision of education as an aid to life. It sees the children as they really are and creates environments which foster the fulfilment of their highest potential - spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and intellectual. The children's innate passion for learning is encouraged by giving them opportunities to engage in spontaneous, purposeful activities with the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. Through their work, the children develop concentration, independence, self-confidence and self-discipline. In addition, specific areas of their cognitive and physical development are fostered.
The prepared Montessori environment creates an atmosphere that enables the child to be free to learn through his/her own activity in peaceful and orderly surroundings, adapted to the child's size and interests. Materials are set out in an orderly manner, enabling each child to locate desired activities easily, helping him/her to gain a sense of security. The child progresses at his/her own pace and rhythm, according to individual capabilities.
The class is vertically grouped so that the little ones can learn from the older children and the older children learn by teaching and taking care of the younger ones. The Montessori classroom allows for both individual and social development.
The Montessori teacher or "guide" builds on the natural human tendencies toward exploration, hard work, creativity, and communication, to create a learning environment which feeds the evolving passions of the children. Montessori teachers are trained facilitators in the classroom, always ready to assist and direct. Their purpose is to stimulate the child's enthusiasm for learning and to guide it, without interfering with the child's natural desire to teach himself and become independent.
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