Through decades of observing children in learning environments, Dr Maria Montessori developed a method of teaching that is structured, systematic, and child-centred to provide children with an opportunity to learn at their own pace.
The Montessori method of teaching encompasses 10 principles of education and utilises materials specially developed by Dr Montessori to help visual, cognitive and physical development.
Respect for the child forms the foundation of Montessori Education. Dr Montessori emphasised the importance of respecting each child's uniqueness and trusting their individual abilities. Children are recognised as being confident, capable members of their environments.
To avoid interrupting important periods of concentration, Montessori educators act as guides, allowing children to move freely around their space, make choices and act independently.
Dr Montessori used the term 'Absorbent Mind' to describe the period in a child's life where their brain is most sponge-like in its ability to absorb information and learn from their surrounds.
The theory evolved through research conducted by Dr Montessori. She determined that the most important time in a child's development is between 0-6 years of age. During these years, children appeared to rapidly develop an understanding of the fundamentals of their world, which then shaped their personality and intelligence.
Usually aligning with the natural stages of the child’s development, sensitive periods are times when children are highly receptive to learning specific skills. These periods are characterised by intense levels of focus and knowledge absorption as brain plasticity enables increased learning, with each experience shaping neural pathways.
Montessori education is advantageous during these periods as it encourages child-led learning and also allows for refinement of skills through repetitive fine motor movements and sensory experiences, crucial elements for building a strong foundation for learning.
"The essential thing is to arouse such an interest that it engages the child's whole personality" Dr Maria Montessori.
To develop the while child, the Montessori approach to education focuses on providing a guided and developmentally appropriate environment that nurtures all the child's senses, whilst assuming children are unique and competent beings.
Helping each child to achieve their own potential is achieved by providing activities that support their emotional, social, intellectual and physical development.
Montessori programs are guided by each child's interests and stage of development, supported by the belief that they have the capacity to take ownership of their own learning. As a result, Montessori settings bring together children of varying ages, abilities, development needs, and levels of achievement.
Educators track the progress of each child through ongoing observation, ensuring their concentration is never interrupted, and lessons with Montessori materials are presented to the children individually based on their progress.
Self-directed exploration is a key factor of Montessori education and as such, children are provided with the opportunity to move through their environment at their own pace and follow their interests. Dr Montessori theorised that children learn best when they are given freedom of choice in their learning journey.
Freedom of movement and choice fosters a sense of accomplishment within the child, whilst providing opportunities for children to learn from the natural consequences and outcomes of their choices.
The prepared environment refers to a carefully curated space that has been designed to activate learning and provide opportunities for independence. The furniture and materials in a Montessori space are meticulously chosen, and displayed in a way that is developmentally appropriate, aesthetically pleasing, and readily accessible to children.
Through the prepared environment, children experience structure and order, where learning is enhanced, and logical thought processes are developed because everything has a purpose and place.
In the Montessori classroom, there are no external rewards, such as gold stars, associated with children’s learning. Instead, the natural joy of learning is prioritised, and children achieve success through a sense of accomplishment in the form of mastering a task or collaborating with peers to complete an activity. Pride and confidence in their own ability fuels motivation.
Self-directed learning is important as it develops skills useful through all stages of life such as persistence, determination, creativity and self-awareness.
From intrinsic motivation comes independence and increased autonomy. Self-regulation and leadership skills are naturally practiced within the Montessori setting, empowering children to think and do for themselves.
Montessori spaces are meticulously designed to carry out three guiding principles of development: sensorial, intellectual, and moral. To achieve this, the spaces are equipped with a three-tier system of materials, ensuring that all essential tools for each stage of the learning process are available to support learning, and also cover practical life lessons.
A concept at the core of the Montessori method is auto-education, which emphasises a child’s ability to self-direct their own learning. To meet the developmental needs of the children so that they can learn by exploration, Montessori spaces and materials were specifically designed, with educators observing a child's progress to provide them with an appropriate prepared environment.
By creating an environment that supports and nurtures their inherent desire to learn, children are disciplined and empowered to take charge of their own educational journey.