About the Montessori Method Dr Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an innovator - the first woman in Italy to receive a medical degree.  She went on to study psychology and anthropology and to persue educational reform based on her clinical analysis and observations of what children do naturally.  Montessori developed a unique method of education, based on her determinations of how children learn and how important a child’s early development is in laying the foundation for the rest of their life.  These findings have withstood the test of time. Research published in 2006 suggests: “By the age of five, children at Montessori schools are better at basic word recognition and mathematics, and are more likely to play co-operatively.  By the age of 12, they are more creative and better able to resolve social problems.” (Angeline Lillard, professor of psychology at the University of Virginia)

Traditional schools are now embracing some aspects of Montessori education, such as concrete learning materials, multi-age classes, involvement of the child in setting their own learning goals, teaching to meet individual needs and strengths, process-focused assessment, development of an integrated curriculum across subject areas, and a focus on the whole child.  Such approaches have been refined as part of Montessori schools for over 100years.  The Montessori approach is much more than the sum of individual aspects though.  An underpinning philosophy of gentle guidance and development of self discipline, and motivation is applied by specially trained teachers.   A Montessori education aims to give the child a vision of interrelated knowledge and a life long love of learning.

Montessori focuses on the unique needs and gifts of each child. “It’s exciting to watch him spend so long working away at solving something for himself. Lots of kids his age don’t seem to have a very long attention span...” Montessori respects children and their natural ability and desire to learn. “I’m amazed at the sudden breakthroughs. Things will, be just rolling along and suddenly it’s as if a door swings open and they discover a whole new world to explore” Montessori recognizes the sensitive periods in children’s lives when they pick up certain skills readily. Just as walking and talking comes naturally, so do other skills — when the learning environment is right and specialized equipment is provided In regular classrooms children are taught as a group with little regard for individual differences Self-motivated Montessori children are guided and encouraged on a one to one basis “I'm impressed by how orderly and happy the Montessori classroom is. Kids get to take equipment of their own choice from the shelves and can use it as  long as they want, before putting it back…The others don’t interrupt unless they’re invited — but they’re always happy to help and learn from each other” Montessori classrooms aren’t like regular classrooms. Freedom of movement and speech can be a recipe for chaos but not when children have learned self discipline and respect for others, their environment and learning materials as Montessori children do. “Help me to do it for myself” That’s the Montessori motto.  It is achieved through allowing children to experience the excitement of learning through their own choice. The Montessori teacher acts as an observer, recorder and guide who helps individual children perfect their natural skills for learning. The classroom atmosphere is friendly and encouraging. It isn't for the gifted or affluent it's for everyone.  The aim is not to develop precocious children but to nurture childrne's natural desire and ability to learn - for a life time.

For further information follow these links; Montessori Association of New Zealand Montessori Foundation     Association Montessori Internationale

Montessori 4 parents Issue 1 - Helping your child to set goals Issue 2 Learning thru experience