Dr. Maria Montessori observed that children go through various sensitive stages, in which they are very receptive to learning specific skills. She stressed the importance of developing the senses between the ages of two and six--when the child naturally wishes to use and perfect his or her senses. Thus, the materials used by the children are designed for them to learn by:

• seeing
• touching
• hearing
• feeling
• moving.

The Montessori prepared environment allows children to meet their needs through individual, spontaneous activities. The child's sensitivities guide his choice. To build concentration and self-discipline as they learn skills, the children work with scientifically selected materials. Their education is an active--rather than passive--process. The child educates himself.

In a Montessori environment, the teacher prepares and presents the materials needed for the child to carry out his/her great work, and offers them to the child in the form of individual or small group presentations. Once an initial presentation or lesson has been given the activities are freely chosen and frequently repeated according to a child's needs.

The Montessori classroom fascinates both children and their parents. The classrooms are normally bright, warm and inviting, filled with plants, animals, art, music and books. There are interest centers filled with intriguing learning materials. These five areas are practical life, sensorial learning, math, language and, geography and cultural. Each area includes intriguing, concrete, most often self-correcting materials which allow the child to work on his/her own building self-confidence through competency.

Montessori classes are organized to encompass an age span, which allows younger students to experience the daily stimulation of older role models, who in turn blossom in the responsibilities of leadership. Students not only learn with each other but also from each other.

Since the basis of the Montessori approach is the simple observation that children learn most effectively through direct experience and the process of investigation and discovery, days are not divided into fixed time periods for each subject. Instead, teachers call students together as they are ready for lessons individually or in small groups. Further, the age range of children in the same environment fosters cooperation and mutual help among the children. The opportunities for freedom of choice, movement and communication help develop inner discipline. The child's freedom to repeat an activity develops concentration, which Montessori says is the only true foundation for education.

Visit Programs using the Montessori approach

• Lawrence, Raintree Montessori School

Resources:

Web site:

The International Montessori Index