Montessori education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is an educational approach that centers on fostering a child’s natural curiosity, independence, and love for learning. Dr. Montessori believed that each child has an inherent drive to explore and understand the world around them. Her method emphasises creating a prepared environment where children can engage in self-directed activities that align with their developmental needs
In a Montessori classroom, materials are carefully designed to be engaging and self-correcting, allowing children to learn through hands-on experiences and experimentation. Teachers, referred to as guides, observe each child’s interests and progress, offering gentle guidance and support when needed.
One of the key principles of Montessori education is respect for the child’s autonomy. Children are encouraged to choose their activities and work at their own pace, fostering a sense of responsibility and independence. This approach also values the development of social and emotional skills alongside academic knowledge.
Overall, Montessori education aims to nurture well-rounded individuals who are capable of critical thinking, problem-solving, and contributing positively to their communities. It’s a philosophy that celebrates the uniqueness of each child and seeks to ignite a lifelong passion for learning and exploration.
The Montessori approach to education was developed over 100 years ago and it is still considered one of the best educational systems for preschool-aged children and has been adapted worldwide.
“The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six.” – Maria Montessori
Famous Montessorians
- Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon
- Sergey Brin and Larry Page, co-founders of Google
- Prince William and Prince Harry
- His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge
- Will Wright video game pioneer, creator of the Sims
- Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Prize winner for Literature
- Anne Frank, author, diarist from World War II
- Helen Keller, Political activist, author, lecturer, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
- George Clooney, Academy award-winning actor, director, producer, humanitarian, United Nations
- Taylor Swift, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter
- Beyonce Knowles, Singer, songwriter, actress and fashion designer, many times Grammy award-winner