Professor Maria Montessori was the first woman to become a doctor in Italy and founded the Montessori approach in 1907. Montessori felt that the good of early childhood should not be to fill the child with facts from a pre-selected course of studies but rather to cultivate their own natural desire to learn through a “prepared environment,” where children can freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities.
Children are given the freedom to choose their own work and specially trained Montessori practitioners guide them within the Montessori by demonstrating how to use the apparatus appropriately. The Montessori practice is dynamic and meets each individual child’s needs by carrying out observations which are specific to that child. If the child has not grasped a particular activity it is demonstrated repeatedly and by allowing the child to revisit the activity enables him/her to master it.
Most children reach a high level of academic achievement while using the Montessori Method. This is due to the supportive environment which serves the needs of children of all levels of mental and physical ability. The practitioners work with the children on basic numeracy and literacy skills as well as cultural subjects using specialist Montessori apparatus.
In the Montessori environment children are not segregated by age, but all work together in a mixed age group which is very much like the society they will live in as adults. Younger children learn from their peers and the older children are encouraged to look after the younger ones giving them a sense of responsibility. The atmosphere in a Montessori is very family like.
The Montessori approach encourages children to develop an enthusiasm for lifelong learning along with independence, self discipline and positive self esteem in an enjoyable way. It helps them reach their full potential at their own pace. They eventually exhibit a desire to teach, help and care for others and their environment. Tolerance, concern and mutual respect are considered a paramount aspect of the Montessori Method.
Prince William, Prince Harry, Anne Frank, Larry Page, Andrew Lloyd Webber, William Jefferson, Hillary Clinton are just a few of the famous names who attended Montessori schools in their childhood.