To be of the best support to the child in his task of self-formation
and in becoming a complete human being, involves engagement
of the whole child in learning, from the very beginning.
In short, the Montessori Philosophy around human development and becoming a complete human being:
According to the work of Dr Maria Montessori, human beings are born into the world in an emerging state for the purpose of developing independence, coordinated movement, language and will, in relationship with their environment after birth, and, in order to become a complete human being, the child needs to progress in all of these areas:
Independence
is the most important psychological element for a child, as it is the path to self-assurance and the beginning of a view of the self.
Co-ordinated movement
involves the harmony between the physical and the intellectual capacities that can only be achieved over time, and in engagement with the external environment.
Language
is both expressive as well as receptive, and intelligence is directly influenced by the quality and extent of exposure to language from the first days of life.
The will
has to do with the ability to control the self to be in harmony with our environment and society. Self-control and inner discipline allows the child to seek purpose and fulfilment in life, through service of and love for others, and nature that sustains us daily.
The Montessori approach to education was developed by Italian physician and pioneer in education, Dr Maria Montessori. It is a child-centered, holistic approach, based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. The Method has stood the test of time, growing from strength to strength for more than 100 years, in diverse cultures all over the world. Today, studies are proving the theories as correct, and most conducive for learning, now more than ever before. Learning is seen as “a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.” This approach values and supports the human spirit and is an education which prepares one for life.
The Fundamental
Principles
of the
Montessori
Method:
Multi-Age Classrooms (Vertical Grouping)
The Uninterrupted Work Cycle
No Rewards No Punishments
The Prepared Environment
The Montessori Guide
The Montessori Curriculum
