Why Montessori
"Education should no longer be mostly imparting knowledge, but must take a new
path, seeking the release of human potentials" Dr
Maria Montessori

- Montessori is Learning for Life The
Montessori Method of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a child-centred educational approach
based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. Dr. Montessori observed that children
experience sensitive periods, or windows of opportunity, as they grow. As the child develops, the Montessori
directress matches appropriate lessons and materials to these sensitive periods when learning is most naturally
absorbed and internalized. The Montessori’s Method of Education has been proven over time and the complete
focus on the child makes it very relevant and appropriate for today’s ever changing world.
- Benefits of Montessori In the world of
Montessori the child is viewed as being naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a
supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. Maria Montessori believed that moving and learning were
inseparable. The child must involve her entire body and use all her senses in the process of learning. To
develop her cognitive powers she needs opportunities built into the learning process for looking, listening,
smelling, touching, tasting, and moving her body.
Each child is valued as a unique individual. Beginning at an early age, the Montessori child
will develop order, coordination, concentration, and independence. Montessori education recognizes that
children learn in different ways, and it accommodates all learning styles. Montessori students enjoy freedom
within limits, working within parameters set by their teachers. For learning to be meaningful and enjoyable the
child must be an active participant in all aspects of the learning process. Montessori teachers understand that
internal satisfaction drives the child’s curiosity and interest and results in joyous learning that is
sustainable over a lifetime.
Montessori students learn to think critically, work co-operatively, and act confidently - a skill set for the
21st century
- A Caring Community - The Montessori room
radiates harmony and respect. Children are encouraged to work peacefully together to allow others to
concentrate on their task. Children will always do their part to maintain the order of the room, such as
returning things to their shelves after use.
- Montessori People of the World As an
interesting note, Montessori Education has touched the lives of a very large and diverse range of people, many
of them famous individuals. Former Montessori students known for their initiative, creativity, and self
confidence include Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, co-founder of Facebook Mark
Zuckerberg, Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, actors George Clooney, Michael
Douglas, Cami Cotler, John and Joan Cusack, Dakota Fanning, Melissa and Sarah Gilbert, Helen Hunt, Lea Salonga,
former first lady and editor Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez, prince
William and prince Harry, Thomas Edison scientist and inventor helped found a Montessori school, Henry Ford,
Sigmund Freud, Buckminster Fuller and Bertrand Russell. Alexander Graham Bell (inventor) and his wife Mabel
founded the Montessori Education Association in 1913. President Wilson's daughter trained as a Montessori
teacher. There was a Montessori classroom in the basement of the White House during Wilson's presidency.
More information on
Montessori Montessori
Australia http://www.montessori.org.au
Montessori information for Parents http://www.montessori.org
Montessori Introduction Video Clips http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=montessori+introduction
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