A Classroom and Pedagogy Based on Montessori Principles

Montessori education respects the natural development of children and their built-in desire to explore, discover, and learn from the world around them.

Children’s individual needs are the main focus of our classrooms and of our teachers’ attention.

Montessori classrooms are especially prepared for the stimulation and comfort of children:

• they are full of activities and materials that are inviting and educational for children
• classroom materials are multi-sensory; they encourage children to touch, think, listen, manipulate and experience
• each activity is designed to enhance some aspect of the child’s development, whether it is fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, or concentration.
• children move about freely, work independently or together, choose activities that interest them, and use materials until they achieve a sense of accomplishment
• when they are finished with an activity, they replace the materials neatly before choosing another activity

From this approach to learning, children develop important strengths for lifelong learning:

• the freedom to choose inspires independence and self-motivation
• the freedom to immerse themselves in activities of their choice fosters competence and inspires confidence
• the responsibility for maintaining an orderly environment lays the foundation of respect for each other and for their learning environment

The abundance of choices and materials in our classroom is balanced by its calm atmosphere. The children are engrossed in learning and their concentration and sense of purpose creates an environment in which their energies can be constructively focused and richly rewarded.