• Montessori is Learning for Life The Montessori Method of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a child-centred educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. Dr. Montessori observed that children experience sensitive periods, or windows of opportunity, as they grow. As the child develops, the Montessori directress matches appropriate lessons and materials to these sensitive periods when learning is most naturally absorbed and internalized. The Montessori’s Method of Education has been proven over time and the complete focus on the child makes it very relevant and appropriate for today’s ever changing world.

• Benefits of Montessori In the world of Montessori the child is viewed as being naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. Maria Montessori believed that moving and learning were inseparable. The child must involve her entire body and use all her senses in the process of learning. To develop her cognitive powers she needs opportunities built into the learning process for looking, listening, smelling, touching, tasting, and moving her body.

Each child is valued as a unique individual. Beginning at an early age, the Montessori child will develop order, coordination, concentration, and independence. Montessori education recognizes that children learn in different ways, and it accommodates all learning styles. Montessori students enjoy freedom within limits, working within parameters set by their teachers. For learning to be meaningful and enjoyable the child must be an active participant in all aspects of the learning process. Montessori teachers understand that internal satisfaction drives the child’s curiosity and interest and results in joyous learning that is sustainable over a lifetime.

Montessori students learn to think critically, work co-operatively, and act confidently – a skill set for the 21st century

• A Caring Community – The Montessori room radiates harmony and respect. Children are encouraged to work peacefully together to allow others to concentrate on their task. Children will always do their part to maintain the order of the room, such as returning things to their shelves after use.

• Montessori People of the World As an interesting note, Montessori Education has touched the lives of a very large and diverse range of people, many of them famous individuals. Former Montessori students known for their initiative, creativity, and self confidence include Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, co-founder of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, actors George Clooney, Michael Douglas, Cami Cotler, John and Joan Cusack, Dakota Fanning, Melissa and Sarah Gilbert, Helen Hunt, Lea Salonga, former first lady and editor Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez, prince William and prince Harry, Thomas Edison scientist and inventor helped found a Montessori school, Henry Ford, Sigmund Freud, Buckminster Fuller and Bertrand Russell. Alexander Graham Bell (inventor) and his wife Mabel founded the Montessori Education Association in 1913. President Wilson’s daughter trained as a Montessori teacher. There was a Montessori classroom in the basement of the White House during Wilson’s presidency.

More information on Montessori

Montessori Australia http://www.montessori.org.au
Montessori information for Parents http://www.montessori.org