An Introduction

Maria Montessori (the founder of the Montessori method), was an Italian physician and educator. Her pedagogy took a new approach to education based on her observations of how children naturally learn. She believed that children were competent beings, able to navigate their own experiences to create rich, meaningful connections and ideas. Her natural, hands on methods of learning drew praise globally and she was asked to teach her methods world wide.

"Scientific observation has established that education is not what the teacher gives; education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences upon the environment. The task of the teacher becomes that of preparing a series of motives of cultural activity, spread over a specially prepared environment, and then refraining from obtrusive interference. Human teachers can only help the great work that is being done, as servants help the master. Doing so, they will be witnesses to the unfolding of the human soul and to the rising of a New Man who will not be a victim of events, but will have the clarity of vision to direct and shape the future of human society"

After studying the process of normal development, Dr. Montessori introduced the idea of "sensitive periods" of development. During these periods, children were introduced to materials that catered to that particular phase of development.  These hands-on materials were unique, stimulating and appropriate to the age of the child. This contrasts traditional learning in which students are expected to learn largely from texts. Many children find this approach to learning much more stimulating and engaging as they are encouraged to learn naturally through exploration, trial and error and free choice.

"A superficial judgement of the Montessori Method is too often that it required little of the teacher, who has to refrain from interference and leave the children to their own activity. But when the didactive material is considered, its quantity and the order and details of its presentation, the task of the teacher becomes both active and complex... Her later "inactivity is a sign of her success" - Maria Montessori

In addition to preparation of materials, Maria believed that the teacher's role was to learn about the materials and their presentation. Maria took the role of the teacher beyond the traditional "instructor" role and took learning to new heights. She emphasized social interaction and respect as a critical part of the classroom. This is why Montessori students grow in more ways than just academically; they grow emotionally and socially as well.



-The Montessori Interactive Learning Preschool Team