Montessori is a philosophy and method of education pioneered by the Italian educationalist Dr Maria Montessori. The first Montessori school was opened in 1907 and since then the Montessori movement has grown into a vast global organisation.

The Montessori philosophy emphasises the potential of the very young child and the main aim of the philosophy is to assist children to reach their fullest potential.

Dr Maria Montessori recognised that the first six years of a child’s life are the most important. It is during these years the basis of a child’s personality is laid.

Children from 0-6 years of age possess an absorbent mind, a mind like a sponge able to absorb whatever is in its environment effortlessly and quickly.

Dr Maria Montessori discovered that there are sensitive periods in children’s lives when they experience strong interests in certain aspects of learning and development. During such period they develop a natural desire and ability to learn and extend their interest at the time, making the experience effortless and enjoyable.

Montessori Environment and Curriculum

The Montessori environment has been created by taking into consideration the absorbent mind and sensitive periods. The Montessori environment is carefully prepared with many unique resources designed to provide hands on learning experience and help children learn at their own pace thus avoiding competition and according to their own interest, giving the children a unique opportunity to fulfill their own potential.

The classroom materials are arranged in six areas:

• Practical Life Exercises- While children learn skills that are necessary in daily life (Pouring, wiping tables, washing dishes) they develop the ability to concentrate, be independent, build self-esteem and hand-eye co-ordination.

• Sensorial Material- Gives opportunities for children to refine their senses.

• Art- Importance of the process is encouraged at the time not the end product.

• Mathematics: The tactile learning materials make abstract concepts clear and concrete.

• Language: Children learn the phonetic sounds of letters before the names of the alphabet. They are introduced to a series of specially designed materials to help develop reading, writing and grammar.

• Cultural Subjects- Includes science, music, nature, geography and history

Physical education is also integrated into the daily programme for all the children.
Carefully designed equipment makes it possible to present abstract aspects of these subjects at a concrete level.