What is Montessori?

Montessori is a comprehensive method of education from birth to adulthood based on the observation of children’s needs.  It was developed by the 1st female doctor in Italy, Dr Maria Montessori.  This method of education has been practiced worldwide for over 100 years.

Montessori works with the ‘Absorbent Mind’, being the child from birth to 6 years, having a mind that absorbs more knowledge from its environment than it will ever again.  The Montessori environment contains specially designed, didactic materials (self-educating) that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice.

Montessori schools recognize the importance of repetition, whereby the child can work in a ‘Prepared Environment’ that supports their inner need for perfection.

Under the guidance of a qualified Directress, children in a Montessori classroom learn by making discoveries with the materials, cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.

Montessori supports the various ‘Sensitive Periods’ that a child experiences. This is a block of time where the child is extremely interested in a certain aspect of life (E.g. Language, attention to detail, repetition, etc.) to the exclusion of anything else.

Montessori classes are grouped in three-year age spans (0-3 years, 3 – 6 years, etc), this provides a family-like grouping where learning can take place naturally.  Older children share their learnt knowledge with the younger children and in turn reinforce their knowledge, creating an atmosphere of co-operation rather than competition.

Huge emphasis is placed on ‘Inner discipline’ which is encouraged by the children being part of an environment, where they need to be responsible for their actions and respect others and their property.  We aim to nurture adults that can fit into society and are respectful of others and themselves!