We believe that children learn best when they are at ease and
comfortable. The key is to see the hidden nature of the child
at given stages of development and to design an environment that
will fulfill the child's innate potential.
The educational approach is for children to trust in their
own ability, to think and to solve problems independently. The
goal is to lead students to think for themselves and become
actively engaged in the learning process. Like the rest of us,
children learn through trial, error and discovery. The students
learn not to be afraid of making mistakes. They learn to try
and try again without fear of embarrassment.
As we allow students to develop a meaningful degree of
independence and self-discipline, we also set a pattern for a
lifetime of good work habits and a sense of responsibility. Our
Montessori students are taught pride in their work.
What is the Montessori Method?
An educational approach that emphasizes the
potential of the young child, and attempts to develop this
potential by means of a prepared environment, utilizing
specially trained teachers and special materials.
Why did Dr. Maria Montessori develop this
special method?
She was distressed with the usual rigid
techniques used in Europe. Feeling that the young child had more
potential than educators realized, she began to develop this
potential by a sensorial approach. Teaching the child through
her natural interest in exploring the world through her senses.
What is the Montessori concept of freedom?
Freedom is a prerequisite condition for
learning. Freedom is a goal not a starting point. A freed child
or adult is one who has developed his potential and prefers to
work out problems for him/herself, but is capable of asking for
and receiving direction when necessary. An undisciplined and
unskilled child is not free, but a slave to his immediate
desires and is excessively dependent on others. The free child
of course grows into the free adult.
What is the Montessori concept of discipline?
Discipline is the second prerequisite condition
for learning. Montessori discipline is an “inner discipline,” an
inner control the child develops over her own behavior by
working with Montessori materials. Dr. Montessori noted that
many so-called undisciplined children were very frustrated due
to the lack of proper stimulation and inadequate opportunity to
achieve. She noted that they became happier and self-controlled
after a period of time in a Montessori class.
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