The Montessori Method

What is the Montessori Philosophy?

The Montessori Philosophy is an attitude to teaching, much more than a teaching system. Its creator, Maria Montessori (1870 - 1952), an outstanding pedagogue and Doctor of Medicine, dedicated her life to the scientific study of education. Her objective was to harmonise the educational process with a child's natural development and to integrate the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual qualities of every child.

The fundamental principles of the Montessori Philosophy are to:

• Respect each child's own individual development process.
• Develop an attitude of confidence, loyalty and guidance between the teacher and pupil.
• Encourage the pupil's potential and individuality, in a spontaneous, natural way to make him or her the driving force of his or her education.
• Develop the personal abilities the child is most sensitive to at each stage.
• Provide a school and classroom environment appropriate for the different stages of the pupil's development, with suitable teaching materials for each stage.