Montessori Method

The goal of the Montessori philosophy and method is self-discipline and the freedom to develop. The method is comprised of two components: the environment and the teachers.

The Environment
The environment is carefully prepared so that it meets the child's needs and leaves out unnecessary obstacles to the child's growth. Though secondary to the child's inner creative potential, a Montessori environment is supportive, encouraging, and nourishing.

The Teacher
It is not the teacher's role to give knowledge or training to the child. Instead, there is a radical shift from this to the child's choice leading the way in the learning process. Through dynamic alertness and an openness to life, the teacher makes prudent observations and thereby attunes to the child’s needs. In this way the teacher determines whether to approach or withdraw, introduce a new work (i.e. material) suitable to a particular child, facilitate its use, or remain calmly, patiently, and humbly aside. [from Discovery of the Child, p 149-51]

Teachers support the child in following the interest of any given sensitive period showing a delicate respect for these manifestations. A premium is placed on opportunities for natural success because this reflects a special sensitivity and has a resulting positive impact on the child's psychic development, maturity, and opportunity later in life. (from Montessori: A Modern Approach, p 32-3)