“Education is not something a teacher gives but is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the individual. It is not acquired by listening to words, but by virtue of experience in which the child acts on his environment.” – Maria Montessori
The Montessori approach encourages self-discipline, self-knowledge, independence, academic skills, problem-solving ability, and an enthusiasm for learning. Children become self-regulated through concentration on stimulating self-chosen tasks that they can pursue individually or in groups. Montessori called this process “normalization.” This progression is encouraged through a variety of activities, including focused movement exercises, such as balanced walking online on the floor, and concentration exercises, such as the “silence game,” in which children are invited to be still and to focus mentally on a sound (for example, soft music) or on an object in the classroom environment.
The whole child approach
The primary goal of a Montessori program is to help each child reach their full potential. Activities and instructional materials are scientifically designed to provide variety in learning experiences which promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation. The holistic curriculum, under the direction of a specifically prepared teacher, allows the child to experience the joy of learning. It also ensures the development of self-esteem and provides the experiences from which children create their knowledge.
What is unique about the Montessori Program?
- Montessori Curriculum helps children concentrate with enthusiasm and achieve a real and profound understanding of their work. Children’s intellectual progress is accompanied by emotional growth. The children become harmonious in movement, independent in work, and honest and helpful with one another.
- Children gain Practical life experiences and the habits and skills developed in a Montessori classroom remain for a lifetime.
- The child’s natural development of language is utilized in the process of learning to read.
- Children developed the self-discipline, self-mastery and love of learning.
- Montessori Materials help children to understand what they learn by associating an abstract concept with a concrete sensorial experience.
- The child develops the prime elements of character: freedom, concentration, independence, self-discipline, industry, sense of reality…in an atmosphere of co-operation.
- Children have the unique opportunity to fulfill their potential.
