Why Montessori Works
Learn more about why children succeed in the Montessori environment.
It is based on scientific observations.
The Montessori philosophy was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago in Rome, Italy. This educational philosophy was born out of a combination of Montessori’s scientific observations and working experience (with children with varying abilities) which ultimately led her to create unique learning materials for young children. Over time, Dr. Montessori’s teaching methods and materials gained popularity and since then, have evolved into a world wide alternate approach to education.
The children are the teachers, the adults are the guides.
The Montessori philosophy was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago in Rome, Italy. This educational philosophy was born out of a combination of Montessori’s scientific observations and working experience (with children with varying abilities) which ultimately led her to create unique learning materials for young children. Over time, Dr. Montessori’s teaching methods and materials gained popularity and since then, have evolved into a world wide alternate approach to education.
The classroom is
specifically prepared.
Montessori's unique philosophy features the 'Prepared Environment", which promotes independence and provides the child freedom (within limits) to choose the work that satisfies their inner needs to learn and grow in their surroundings. It is this environment (that is particularly suited to the child -- for example: child sized furniture) and the materials within it that sparks the child's interest in learning and helps them to develop their capabilities.
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The materials in the "Prepared Environment" are unique to Montessori education, with each one isolating just one concept. The materials are real (used in every day life), age appropriate and contain a control of error (ie. are "self-correcting"), which allows the child to be their own teacher, reducing the need for adult instruction.