Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things,
but by the endeavor always to keep
burning within him that light
but by the endeavor always to keep
burning within him that light
which is called intelligence.
"Maria Montessori"
Montessori Philosphy
Dr. Maria Montessori was a medical doctor and pioneer educator who was born in Italy in 1870 and died in 1952. As her life's work, she developed a teaching philosophy that balances freedom with responsibility in the classroom and also sets high standards of intellectual and social development for children.
The following represents some of the educational principles and philosophy developed by
Dr. Montessori:
Educational research indicates that children ages 3-6 are extremely capable of learning meaningful things, and that intellectual stimulation given at this age level helps to create the foundation for later academic success. A program of play alone does not help the young child to organise his or her mental processes, which is necessary for academic learning. Therefore, the Montessori program is a learning program with a curriculum wherein the children enjoy the work/play environment created for them.
The Montessori curriculum focuses on the development of the whole child, which includes their intellectual development. The goal of a good Montessori program is the integration of the child's personality and the organisation of his/her thought processes. This provides the basis for later academic success, and is accomplished through direct experiences with meaningful activities and materials. "Develop interest rather than give facts," said Dr. Montessori.
Young children have amazing mental concentration if given activities and material that fulfill their need to grow and discover themselves. Given the choice, children will prefer meaningful work to play. When a young child has a positive experience with the process, it influences him/her for the rest of their life.
The Nursery should not be graded, permitting the children to learn according to their ability and not forcing them to keep up with "the group." No grades are given; the children's accomplishments are their rewards.
Each child is allowed to experience the excitement of learning by his/her own choice, and he/she will maximise their potential to become an independent, secure, loving, and balanced human being.
Children literally absorb knowledge from their environment; therefore, if this environment is enriched with special materials suited to their needs, children will learn easily and joyfully.
Children can learn to read, write, and work with numbers in the same natural way that they learn to walk and talk.
In order for the child’s ability to expand at the same rate as his interest and aptitude, it is best to start the experience at an early age. No child is happy without a sense of self-discipline, self-esteem, and order.