Maria Montessori
It is necessary to give children the possibility of developing according to the laws of their nature, so that they can become strong, and, having become strong, can do even more than we dared hope for them.
Dr. Maria Montessori, one of the first female Italian physicians, developed the Montessori method in the early 1900's when she opened a child care center for the children of working parents in Rome, Italy. The Montessori method is based on the education of the whole person to become a self-motivated, independent, and life-long learner.
Maria Montessori believed learning experiences should not be overly structured, but should occur naturally and spontaneously for each child.
Her philosophy developed from scientific observations of children's behavior, and her belief that children learn at their own pace.
The Montessori methodology spread around the world and today thousands of Montessori schools can be found in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Focused on the five areas of growth: cognitive, physical, emotional, social and spiritual, Montessori education provides a social environment where children learn from hands-on experiences and explorations.
In Montessori schools, children engage in self-directed, self-initiated activities under the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. Children work individually or in small groups.
Teachers provide resources and materials, observing children's growth and behavior to determine when to introduce new activities and materials. Each child is personally guided and recognized by staff as a unique individual.
