What is Montessori
Montessori is an educational philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. It was her belief that all children have a natural desire to learn. Their abilities to absorb information at certain sensitive periods of learning are enhanced when a child is exposed to a variety of Montessori learning materials. The opportunity for each child to grow and develop as individuals is the main focus of a Montessori program.
Montessori is an educational philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. It was her belief that all children have a natural desire to learn. Their abilities to absorb information at certain sensitive periods of learning are enhanced when a child is exposed to a variety of Montessori learning materials. The opportunity for each child to grow and develop as individuals is the main focus of a Montessori program.
In response to the often asked question: Is this a classroom where children do anything they like? The child responded--
"I don't know if we do as we like, but I know that we like what we do."
Maria Montessori, The Secret of Childhood
Identifying a "Real" Montessori Classroom
Since Montessori is a word in the public domain, it is possible for any individual or institution to claim to be Montessori. An authentic Montessori classroom must have the following basic characteristics at all levels:
1. Teachers educated in the Montessori philosophy and the methodology for the age level they are teaching, who have the ability and dedication to put the key concepts into practice.
2. A partnership established with the family. The family is considered an integral part of the individual's total development.
3. A multi-aged, heterogeneous grouping of students.
4. A diverse set of Montessori materials, activities, and experiences which are designed to foster physical, intellectual, creative, social, and personal independence.
5. A schedule which allows large blocks of time to problem-solve, to see connections in knowledge and to create new ideas.
6. A classroom atmosphere which encourages social interaction for cooperative learning, peer teaching, and emotional development.
-The Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators
(At Steinbach Montessori we follow these basic characteristics. Ideally we would love to have a bigger space with more children, but due to government regulations and limited space we now run with a maximum of 4 per session). Our home becomes the child's home while they are here.
(all information is subject to change without notice)
