The Montessori Method
Montessori education has many unique benefits and equips children with a skill set that is highly-relevant for the 21st century. It follows the principles of human development and rests upon the concept of following the child in a prepared environment to unlock their human potential.
Building confidence and empowerment in growing minds
The essence of Montessori education is to help children in their development and give them what they need for optimal learning and personal growth. Montessori genuinely places children into the centre of learning about their world, and they are assisted in becoming caring and fulfilled individuals who are ready to take agency. One thing setting Montessori apart is the prepared environment in which children are empowered with the freedom to choose and explore within the scope of the specialised materials available. Because children are given this freedom and responsibility, learning is always viewed positively and it comes naturally to them throughout their life. Montessori children are motivated, self-directed, and able to surface their individuality and unique talents and interests. They gain a deeper understanding of themselves and of others.
"Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things, but the endevour to always keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence. "
-Maria Montessori
Harnessing curiosity to unlock creativity
Montessori children are given opportunities to question things more deeply. They are encouraged to become more curious about the world around them, thinking boldly into the questions as to "Why?", igniting their passion for knowledge and exploration. Exploding the potential of human curiosity is the true superpower that unlocks problem solving and creativity. These are real skills that prepare children for success in our world, serving them particularly well in the evolving digital age in the 21st century.
"The child is capable of developing and giving us tangible proof of the possibilty of a better humanity"
-Maria Montessori
Cultivating a life of caring
Montessori children develop a deep respect and connection to others and their environment. Through hand-on activities and collaborative learning, children develop their empathy and social skills. The environment fosters a supportive community, where children help each other and feel like they belong. The children's learning also provide them an appreciation and understanding of deep and broad topics about our world, such as geology, ecology, human history and cultures and also our universe. This provides them with purposeful and meaningful learning experiences and helps them build a strong appreciation for how everything and everyone is connected, so they then also see themselves as being connected into it. Montessori sets children up for a life of caring - see this short YouTube clip.
3 things to know about Montessori
1 The Montessori method originates from scientific studies on human development
It was founded on brain science which looked into how children learn best. Italian physician, educator, and innovator Dr Maria Montessori developed this method by spending years observing children’s development patterns and ways of learning. She then crafted this way of learning based on her findings.
2 At its core, Montessori education is about developing a child's natural love to learn
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Dr. Montessori observed that each child is naturally curious with an innate desire to learn, and this is nurtured by enabling the child to choose and progress by following their interests within the limits of a carefully prepared environment. With all this carefully in place, children will naturally self-construct themselves to the learning opportunities offered to them, so they develop to their maximum potential and become lifelong learners.
3 Latest evidence shows that Montessori children thrive
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Montessori education is backed by science and is recognised to inspire dispositions that bring about leadership and positive influence in children wherever they may be. There are many famous adults who are now a testament to the success of Montessori education.
Typical dispositions that surface are:
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Self confidence
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Creativity
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Being intrinsically motivated by their work and love learning
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Managing time effectively
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Being able to concentrate
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Conducting themselves with grace and courtesy
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Critical thinking
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Strong social and collaboration skills.
Montessori has gained attention and endorsements from researchers, educators and thought leaders who advocate for it's effectiveness. Here is one example of a recent published research study
Further explore Montessori
Montessori has gained popularity of the years with families who seek a different approach to education. To determine if Montessori fits your education hopes and expectations, there is much to learn and understand, but the good news is that resources are widely accessible. Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand (MANZ) provide detailed parent guides for various age groups:
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