What is Montessori?

Montessori education is a child-centered teaching method emphasizing hands-on learning, self-directed activities, and collaboration. It’s based on the belief that children are naturally curious and eager to learn and that they learn best when actively engaged in their own learning process. 

Key Principles of Montessori Education

• Child-Centered: Montessori education focuses on each child’s individual needs and interests, allowing them to explore and learn at their own pace.

• Self-Directed Learning: Children are free to choose their activities and work at their own pace, fostering a sense of independence and responsibility.

• Hands-on Learning: Montessori classrooms are filled with carefully selected materials designed to engage children’s senses and encourage exploration.

• Mixed-Age Groups: Children are not grouped solely by age; Instead, they are placed in multi-age classrooms, typically with a three-year age span (3 to 6-year-olds together), to encourage learning through mentorship and collaboration. This approach allows younger children to learn from older ones while older children reinforce their learning and develop leadership skills.
• Prepared Environment: A Montessori classroom is rich with specially designed hands-on materials that promote independent learning. These materials are categorized into areas like Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, and Cultural Studies and are crafted to teach a single skill or concept. They also include real-life objects like ceramic bowls and metal utensils.

• Qualified Teachers: Teachers are certified in the Montessori method of education and act as guides and facilitators, observing children’s progress and providing support when needed.