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Key Points - The Montessori Method was developed in Italy over a century
ago by Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy's first female physician. The method is based on years of her scientific observations
of children and the way they learn.
- During
the first six years of life, the child possesses a unique ability to absorb information from the environment.
The Montessori classroom is purposefully prepared to have the utmost appeal to the child and maximize learning opportunities.
- Children learn through movement
and activity. Children carry different manipulatives from the shelf to their chosen workspace which may be a table or
floor mat. They are free to move around the classroom throughout the day.
- Children are born with a natural curiosity and desire to learn. The desire purposeful
work in order to develop the mind and spirit.
- Mixed age grouping
is beneficial to learning. Children learn from their peers. A young child might watch an older child
do an advanced work or the advanced child might give a lesson to a younger child, reinforcing his own knowledge.
Famous Montessori Supporters
* Indicates people who attended
a Montessori School
Helen Keller George
Clooney *
Henry Ford
Fred Rogers
Jeff Bezos (amazon.com Founder) *
Mahatma Ghandi
Yo Yo Ma
Thomas Edison
Larry Page (Google Founder)*
Bill & Hillary Clinton
Prince William* the
Dalai Lama
Resources
The following books and websites are full of information about the Montessori
Method.
Books
Montessori: The
Science Behind the Genius By Angeline Stoll Lillard
The Montessori Method By Maria Montessori
Montessori: Her Life and Work By E.M. Standing
Montessori: A Modern Approach By
Paula Polk Lillard
Websites
American Montessori Society
Montessori FAQ
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