Montessori Philosophy

The Montessori Education

Montessori is a method of education based on the theories of Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman Italian physician, who practiced in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Her first experience in education was as a physician treating children with disabilities.  While observing these children and responding to their needs, she saw extraordinary abilities and qualities in them that no one had recognized previously.  When she began developing her method, she was invited to work with poor children of normal intelligence in the slums of San Lorenz in Rome.

In Rome, Dr. Montessori saw that children possess an innate desire to explore, discover, and learn their world.  She saw that children learn best within a social environment that supports personal development.

Her method of education focused on the development of the whole child in all areas of life.  Children achieve and thrive within schools that follow this pedagogy.

Nancy McCormich Rombusch, who founded the American Montessori Society in 1960, is credited with establishing Montessori education within the context of the American culture.

It emphasizes parental involvement and teachers trained in the Montessori curriculum.  Characteristics of the School’s curriculum include independence, self-motivation, freedom of movement, development of concentration, and sense of responsibility.

Independence

Independence is the key to building one’s self esteem.  The motto, “Help me to do it myself”, encourages independence.  The School structure and classrooms are organized to develop the perception that each child can do many things by him/her self.

Self-motivation

Self-motivation is developed by insuring the child’s successes.  Success causes motivation, not failure.  Therefore, children learn at their own pace and are encouraged by their successes, not by failure or comparison with the rest of the classmates.

Freedom of movement

Freedom of movement is apparent in all the classrooms.  Children are free to move about the classroom in order to select the appropriate learning activities.  This enables the children to interact with their peers in both academic and social endeavors.

Development of Concentration

The development of concentration begins early and is the key to the child’s academic success.  Concentration comes naturally to child.  Even very young ones can spend an enormous amount of time concentrating on an activity when they are not interrupted.  Teachers prepare the classrooms and manage the children so that this natural ability is not lost.

Sense of responsibility

A sense of responsibility for oneself and actions is the key to a healthy and social adjustment.  Children are taught to perceive themselves as having the ability to take charge of themselves, to take care of their work and studies, and to take an active part in solving social conflicts.  Multi-age grouping in classrooms enhances the growth of this perception.