Philosophy
THE MONTESSORI METHOD
The goal of Montessori Education is to help children become self-confident, motivated and independent learners.
Children of mixed ages and abilities work together in a non-competitive atmosphere. The children work both independently and in small groups, often teaching one another. They may work at tasks, uninterrupted for as long as they wish, provided the work is meaningful and they are not disturbing others. This enables the children to progress at their own pace.
The prepared environment satisfies the children’s need for activity and also provides direction for purposeful and constructive work. Everything is neat and orderly, accommodating the child’s sensitivity to order and detail. Materials are attractive and inviting. The classroom consists of Practical Life Activities, Sensorial Materials, Language, Mathematics, Science, Art and Cultural Materials.
The teacher is not the center focus as in the traditional classroom, but is an individual guide for each child. Recognizing that learning is a voluntary act on the part of the child, she helps the child select interesting activities. She uses the child’s natural curiosity to introduce new materials, observes the progress and delights in the child’s discoveries.