What is Montessori?
Independant learning
Montessori is an approach to early education that focuses on the immense capacity of children to absorb information when given the freedom and independence to learn at their own pace. What makes the Montessori approach different, and what makes it work so well, is that it is based on a deep understanding of the way children learn; through choosing, trying and doing themselves. When allied to the availability of specially developed materials in a prepared environment and the close observation and guidance of a Montessori trained teacher, this leads to an enormously powerful confidence-building approach to learning.
Montessori staff quietly observe
The Benefits
The Montessori approach allows children to learn through understanding, rather than being told. From understanding comes confidence and joy in learning. At the same time there is a strong physical dimension to many Montessori activities, encouraging dexterity, balance and appreciation of shapes, colours and sizes. In its approach to language and mathematics in particular, Montessori equipment provides concrete examples to illuminate abstract concepts. Thus gradually building a deep and permanent understanding of what most adults take for granted. Montessori is, literally, learning for life.
Life skills - doing the washing up.