MONTESSORI METHOD

Your child’s true nature is the focus of the Montessori Method. Dr. Maria Montessori developed this educational approach to learning based on her observations and research of children’s true nature. This approach focuses on the development of the “whole child” in order to maximize children’s potential and prepare them for life. Referring to the mind of a child between birth and the age of six as the “absorbent mind,” Dr. Montessori believed that these children subconsciously possess a tremendous ability to learn and assimilate from the world around them.

Because your child’s “absorbent mind” is especially receptive to particular external stimuli, the Montessori teacher takes advantage of these highly perceptive stages by introducing materials or activities called “works,” which are specifically designed to stimulate their intellect, develop hand-eye coordination and motor skills, and encourage autonomy. Through prepared environments of manipulative material, children are invited to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice and learn at their own pace. With this approach, children explore and discover materials that cultivate concentration, motivation, inner-directed discipline and an immense love for learning.

The role of the teacher, guide, or director in a Montessori classroom is to prepare and maintain the environment and observe and remove any obstacles that may hinder this natural development. Along with observation, your child’s teacher gives “lessons” to show how to use the self-teaching materials. The teacher is always available to assist and guide your child. The teacher’s purpose is to stimulate the child’s enthusiasm for learning. Without interfering with your child’s natural desire for self-teaching and to become independent, the teacher helps your child work through his or her own individual cycle of activities. In this way, children truly understand according to their own unique needs and capabilities.

All materials your child uses in the Montessori classroom have a specific use or purpose and are accessible to the students at all times. Tables, chairs, shelves and all other classroom furniture are child-size and within reach. Your child’s freedom, responsibility, and social and intellectual development naturally thrive in the enriched environment of a Living Montessori classroom.

• ​Montessori is gaining popularity as people recognize the limitations of traditional education. Brilliant innovators like Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Wikipedia’s Jimmy Wales attended Montessori school. Google’s Larry Page and Sergey Brin credit their success to having attended a Montessori school. Brin has said, “I do think I benefited from the Montessori education which in some ways gives the students a lot more freedoms to do things at their own pace, to discover… I do think that some of the credit for the willingness to go on your own interests – you can tie that back to the Montessori education.” Not all Montessori schools are created equal. Our ModernMontessori approach goes above and beyond what traditional Montessori programs offer.