The Montessori Method is a system of education that is both a philosophy of child development and a rationale for guiding such growth. It is based on children’s developmental needs for freedom within limits, as well as, a carefully prepared environment, which guarantees exposure to materials and experiences. It is designed to take full advantage of children’s desire to learn and their unique abilities to develop their own capabilities.
The main premises of the Montessori Method are:
Children are to be respected as different from adults and as individuals who differ from each other.
Children possess a remarkable sensitivity and intellectual ability to absorb and learn from their environment.
The early years are the most important part of children’s growth.
Children have a deep love and need for purposeful work. How many times would your child rather wash dishes than play with a plastic toy kitchen, or stack wood in garage, rather than play with toy tools? Children work, however, not to finish a task like an adult does, but for the sake of the activity itself; pouring liquid from one pitcher to another, for example, just for the joy of learning how to do it. Activities enable each child to accomplish his or her most important goal, the development of one's cognitive and physical self.
The Montessori Method is a revolutionary method of observing and supporting the natural development of children. Montessori is not a system for training children in academic studies; nor is it a label to be put on educational materials. Montessori educational practice helps children develop creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and time-management skills, to contribute to society and the environment, and to become fulfilled persons in their particular time and place on Earth. The basis of Montessori practice in the classroom is respected individual choice of research and work, and uninterrupted concentration rather than group lessons led by an adult. Group lessons are seldom found in a Montessori classroom, but learning abounds.