The Montessori Method encourages independence and freedom of choice, where children develop responsibility for their learning. It acknowledges the important role of physical activity in achieving this.
Montessori is designed to help children with their task of personal development as they grow from childhood to maturity. It succeeds because it draws its principles from the natural development of the child.
The practical application of the Montessori Method is based on human tendencies - to explore, move, share with a group, to be independent and make decisions, create order, and develop self-control.
The child learns that which is of personal interest. He or she has the freedom to select activities and repeat them until they are fully mastered. The child has uninterrupted time to concentrate on activities.
The class is calm, respectful and peaceful. It encourages the child to become orderly and focused in this environment.
Children direct their own learning, choosing their activity from the areas of a well-structured and resourced classroom; including Practical Life (independence, fine and gross motor skill development), Sensorial (sensory and brain development), Mathematics, Language, & Cultural (sciences, zoology, botany, geography, history, & art).
Through observation and following the interest of the child, the teacher demonstrates materials which the child then works with at their own pace. Because children progress at various rates of development, they work at their level of competency with the materials and move ahead at their own point of readiness, rather than chronological age.
