What is Montessori?
Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori was an Italian physician, educator, and innovator best known for her pioneering work in child development and education. She was born on 31 August 1870 in Chiaravalle, Italy, and passed away on 6 May 1952 in the Netherlands.
Montessori initially pursued a career in medicine, becoming one of the first female physicians in Italy. However, her interest in children and education led her to focus on the study of pedagogy. She observed that traditional methods of teaching did not fully meet the developmental needs of children, particularly those with learning challenges.
In 1907, Montessori established her first Casa dei Bambini (Children’s House) in Rome, marking the beginning of what is now known as the Montessori method of education. Her approach emphasised creating an environment where children could freely explore and learn at their own pace, guided by their individual interests and abilities. She believed in nurturing independence, self-discipline, and the development of practical life skills.
Montessori’s method highlighted the use of specially designed educational materials and activities that engaged children’s senses and encouraged hands-on learning. She believed in the importance of providing an environment that supported the natural development of each child and allowed them to learn through their own experiences.
Benefit of Maria Montessori Education
At Gatehouse Montessori, we provide a nurturing environment for every child to thrive. As a leading Preschool in Hope Valley, we follow the Montessori philosophy to inspire a lifelong love for learning.
1. Individualised Learning: Montessori classrooms encourage individualised learning experiences. Children are free to explore and engage with materials that match their interests and abilities. This personalised approach allows each child to progress at their own pace, promoting a sense of confidence and mastery.
2. Hands-on Learning: Montessori education emphasises hands-on learning through the use of specially designed materials. These materials are manipulative and sensorial, allowing children to engage their senses and develop a concrete understanding of abstract concepts. This approach promotes active learning and deepens comprehension.
3. Promotes Independence and Self-Discipline: Montessori classrooms are structured to foster independence in children. From an early age, they are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and daily activities. They learn practical life skills such as dressing themselves, preparing snacks, and cleaning up after play. This nurtures self-discipline, responsibility, and a sense of empowerment.
4. Respect for Individual Differences: Montessori education values the uniqueness of every child. The mixed-age classrooms provide opportunities for older children to mentor and guide younger peers, fostering a sense of community and cooperation. Children learn to respect and appreciate the diverse abilities, interests, and backgrounds of others.
5. Nurtures Social and Emotional Development: Montessori education recognises the importance of social and emotional development alongside academic growth. At our Early Learning Centre in Rosewater, children learn to interact respectfully, collaborate, and resolve conflicts peacefully. The mixed-age environment promotes empathy, positive communication, and strong interpersonal skills.
Her 3 Main Methods Were
Prepared Environment
This is an environment that has been carefully prepared by the Montessori Teacher. It is a most beautiful, enticing, stimulating environment. It has order, structure and flow and has a deep calming effect on the children. There are special wooden “self-educating” (didactic) materials on offer that allow for concentrated work and plenty of repetition of movements, leading to self-mastery.
Individual Liberty
Montessori Teachers have complete respect for the child and his abilities. They never do for the child what he can do for himself, preferring instead to build the child up and help him at every earliest possibility to attain independence. They act as constant protectors of his liberty and self-expression by allowing freedom of choice within the classroom at all times, so long as it is within the expected boundaries of good behaviour.
Montessori Links & Information
1. Montessori Australia Foundation (MAF) Montessori Australia, National Peak Body for Montessori since 2007. Supporting Montessori Education and Adult Care. Complete Listing of all Montessori Schools and Childcare in Australia. Information about the Montessori method of education, registration and teacher training.
2. Montessori Institute (MWEI) Practical Montessori teaching and educator courses, delivered via a flexible blend of external study, online and face-to-face workshops, Australia-wide.