The Montessori Method of Teaching

Montessori Method might be defined as "education by means of liberty in a prepared environment". It is unique and different from all others. It is based on a sensible balance between freedom and structure specifically designed for the young child providing a pleasant environment with carefully devised materials that meet the child’s natural needs.

The Montessori method has three main parts:
1. the child,
2. the environment
3. and the directress (teacher).
 
In the process of teaching it is important:
• to prepare the most natural and life supporting environment for the child
• to observe the child living freely in this environment
• to continue adapting the environment in order that the child may fulfill his greatest potential -- physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
• that all educational materials located on low shelves within easy reach.


The Montessori classroom includes children of different ages. By placing your child in a classroom with children of varying ages (usually between 2-1/2 and 6 years), you are exposing her to a wide range of learning possibilities. When a child first begins school, he or she will have the benefit of learning from older, more experienced children. Later on, she will be able to help others with learning skills that she has already mastered. Your child will also learn how to get along socially with a variety of other people at different age groups and maturity levels, fostering social skills and impacting self-confidence.

In a Montessori setting, the children are free to direct themselves and to set up their own program of learning in a trusting atmosphere under the guidance of the teachers. In this environment the children’s own natural curiosities are satisfied and they begin to experience the joy of discovering the world about them. 

The Montessori classroom gives your child a strong basis, in their most formative years for developing into a well-rounded, responsible, happy and fulfilled adult.

Maria Montessori featured children as "independent learners." Her advise was to "Follow the Child", in Leaning. Dr Montessori designed unique materials which are manipulative, didactic, and sequential. It helps to develop child’s movement, sensorial awareness, concentration, language concepts. 

The learning space is usually divided into four distinct areas:
• practical life,
• sensorial,
• mathematics,
• and language.

Although these areas represent the parts of the curriculum, it is important to remember that no subject is taught in isolation. The Montessori preschool curriculum is interdisciplinary and interactive..

Questions?  Call us at 807-468-5310 to arrange a preview of our classroom setting and to speak with one of our qualified teachers.