The Approach

The concepts of the Montessori approach to education are elegant in their simplicity, yet based on sophisticated understandings of the relationship between human development, learning, and environment. Dr. Montessori used her keen scientific eye to closely study children in a variety of countries and from a number of different cultures and backgrounds. She came to the conclusion that the human mind is constructed to organize and learn from the environment. Based on this recognition, Dr. Montessori developed a prepared environment carefully designed to support the young child’s “absorbent mind” and to assist their complete development. This guiding idea is not meant to be a method passed on from one teacher to the next through a written curriculum, study-guide, or syllabus. It is a fundamental way of experiencing children.

The Essential Paradox
Although she recognized that children develop in a similar way: ”Every child has certain characteristics that are the same as every other child…” Montessori was also sensitive to childrens’ unique individuality: ”Every child is a unique individual that needs to be understood, respected, admired and unconditionally accepted as a precious gift of life.”

Why it Works

The following key principles contribute to the success of Montessori education:

  • Movement and learning are closely connected; movement enhances learning.
  • Placing children in mixed age groups, corresponding to planes of development, helps them relate to children who are both older and younger.
  • Observation of the child helps reveal the proper timing of the presenting of new information and experiences.
  • Attending to sensitive periods of development helps to guide the choice of classroom activity in which a child will be engaged.
  • The classroom experience should build on the desire of the young child to master his or her environment.
  • The use of self-correcting materials allow children to manipulate and explore at their own pace.

Want to know more? Download the Montessori Dictionary.

Click here to see a chart comparing key characteristics of Montessori and traditional education.