Introduction to Montessori Education
Maria Montessori (1870–1952) was an Italian physician and educator who developed an educational approach based on scientific observation of children's learning processes. Her method emerged from work with children in Rome's San Lorenzo district beginning in 1907 and has since spread to schools worldwide.
Core Principles
Child-Led Learning
Children choose their own activities from a range of options, following their natural interests and developmental readiness.
Mixed-Age Classrooms
Classrooms typically span three-year age ranges, allowing younger children to learn from older peers and older children to reinforce knowledge through teaching.
Hands-On Materials
Specially designed materials allow children to explore concepts through physical manipulation, progressing from concrete to abstract understanding.
Prepared Environment
Classrooms are arranged to promote independence, with child-sized furniture and materials accessible on low shelves.
Role of the Educator
Teachers observe children and guide rather than direct, introducing new materials when a child demonstrates readiness and stepping back to allow independent work.