Montessori is a method of education created in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori. Her philosophy and specially designed materials help the child to develop to his or her full potential. Montessori allows the child to express his or her natural curiosity and desire to learn.
The classroom is a “prepared” environment with teachers who have been trained to properly direct the child through the use of materials. The Montessori environment provides a good balance between structure and freedom. It creates opportunities to gain skills and social values. This will enable the child to make appropriate choices both now and in the future. The classroom environment allows children to work in areas such as Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math and Culture.
The Montessori trained teacher presents the materials in a clear and concise manner. He or she is trained to direct and observe the children so they pass through the different sensitive periods smoothly. These are stages during which children are naturally more receptive to the presentation of certain subjects, and they form a key part of the Montessori educational process.
The child grows by working both individually and in a group situation. He or she learns from other children of various ages, abilities, cultures, and interests in a non-competitive environment. The Montessori materials encourage the child to become independent and self-confident, and allow the child to progress at his or her own pace.
Investing in the best education can make the difference between simply getting by in the competitive world, and going on to achieve excellence.