A Montessori Child
Please don't tell me what to love or hate.
Guide me honestly at my own pace.
My years are young, but my spirit is strong:
I don't need to "fit in", but I need to belong.
Follow me, and you will see, I can do wonders,
If you will let me be.
By Theresa Robinson
What is Montessori?
Montessori approach was created
by a visionary woman ahead of her time.
Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952), an Italian physician and anthropologist, dedicated her life to studying children's development across various dimensions. Through extensive observation, she identified universal patterns of development that apply to children worldwide, regardless of cultural differences or historical context.
Montessori education empowers children to lead their learning journey with guidance from supportive educators. The multi-age classrooms foster a sense of community, promoting independence, responsibility, and cooperation. Through hands-on and sensory experiences children explore interests at their own pace, encouraged to question deeply and make connections. This approach allows for personalised learning objectives and cultivates confident, self-motivated learners who demonstrate critical thinking, effective collaboration, and integrity.
Montessori Bases
The importance of early years: Dr. Maria Montessori understood the crucial develop mental phase from birth to age 3, during which a child's brain undergoes rapid growth and learning. She claimed for the early start of children at school.
The importance of the environment: Montessori classrooms are distinctive, characterised by children working independently or in groups with specialised learning materials. They are deeply engaged in their activities and demonstrate respect for them- selves and their environment.
Montessori teacher: Montessori teachers foster a nurturing and supportive environment. These educators are highly qualified in child development and create peaceful and safe spaces for the youngest learners. Here, children's innate curiosity, independence, and desire for exploration are fostered.