The Montessori Method

  • Experiential learning & Freedom of movement

    The Montessori Method is based on the observation of the nature of children and has proved itself of universal application. The method is based on a child's imperious need to learn by doing and has a profound respect for the child's personality. It enables the teacher to approach each child individually in each subject.

    Each child works at her own pace and has freedom of movement in the classroom. Children pursue a self-paced curriculum and learning takes place individually or in small groups.

  • Self Direction and Independence

    The Montessori method develops the whole personality of the child, helping them to become a self-directed, self-disciplined person. When the child is allowed to make choices and see the results of these, self esteem and confidence are built. This creates a more self-reliant, happy, and independent child.

    The role of the teacher is as an observer , who navigates or directs a child’s innate psychological development. Montessori allows children choice and independence in regards to materials, uninterrupted work and freedom of activities in the classroom.

  • Mixed Age Class

    Montessori classes are organized to encompass a two-or three-year age span. This allows younger students the stimulation of older children, who in turn benefit from serving as role models. In a mixed-age class, children can always find peers who are working at their current level. No child is “held back” when she is able to move ahead of the normal curriculum for her age level. If a child needs more time on a certain subject or concept, this is accommodated.

    With two-thirds of the class normally returning each year, the classroom culture tends to remain quite stable. Working in one class for two or three years allows students to develop a strong sense of community with their classmates and teachers.

  • Mathematics

    The materials for mathematics introduce the concept of quantity and its symbols, the numbers 0 through 9. Using a variety of beads and symbol cards, the child becomes familiar with the numbers as a decimal system, including concrete experiences with the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These exercises not only teach the child to calculate, but they provide a deep understanding of how numbers function.

  • Language

    The child learns oral language naturally. She automatically absorbs it from her environment. The work of the teacher is to expose her to the equivalent forms of written language, which she learns through the same general pattern of development. The Montessori child begins reading when she is ready and proceeds at her own pace. Her experiences in practical life and sensorial education serve as a preparation for this.

  • Practical Life

    An important need of the young child is to develop her muscles and coordinate her movement through such practical life exercises as sweeping, polishing, and pouring. The purpose of these exercises is to develop concentration and to pay attention to detail as the child follows a regular sequence of actions. The child also learns good working habits. These activities provide the very foundation on which the child approaches more intricate academic exercises.

  • Sensorial

    The Montessori Sensorial Materials help the child distinguish, categorize, and relate new information to what she already knows. Each of the Sensorial Materials isolates one defining quality such as color, weight, shape, texture, size, sound or smell. Sound boxes, for example, are all the same size, shape, color and texture; they differ only in the sounds that are made when the child shakes them.