What is a Montessori School?
The Montessori Method was created more than100 years ago by Dr. Maria Montessori. It’s a method of education that is based on children’s developmental needs. She believed that children are wired to learn and they can learn much sooner than society supposes if we only provide the appropriate environment. An authentic Montessori environment meets the following needs of students:
Purposeful Materials
A Montessori classroom is filled with deeply thought-out materials that teach a child abstract concepts through concrete activities. Mathematics, reading, writing, geography, and science work stimulate children to think at a much deeper level because they have been created to meet the child where they are in their natural development. As a result, students LOVE learning, they’re curious, they’re self motivated, and they master much more than you thought they could with much more understanding than you thought possible.
A Home-Like Environment
A child will spend as much awake time at school as they spend at home through the school years. They should feel comfortable and cozy while at school. Classrooms are characterized by natural light, plants, rugs, soft spaces, and pleasant aesthetics.
Respect
A deep respect for each student sets Montessori environments apart from many other school institutions. Children and their challenges are never seen as problems, and all adults are trained in the natural and necessary development of the child to avoid setting unrealistic and/or unnecessary expectations, while still challenging them to reach their potential.
Autonomy
Humans thrive on autonomy, freedom, and independence and children are no different (and it’s important for timid, cautious children to develop self confidence!). Most institutions cannot afford to give students much freedom. A Montessori environment is structured to help students develop decision-making skills, intrinsic motivation, and the courage to make mistakes through the freedom they have throughout the school day.
Freedom of Movement
Kids were meant to move and we don’t have to say no to it all of the time! Movement is built into the architecture and ground rules of a Montessori environment and optimizes the child’s ability to learn. (Do they learn better sitting, standing, laying down? Do they need to go to the restroom? Does a bit of walking around settle them to concentrate better?).
For more detailed information, you can visit the American Montessori Society website.
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