The Montessori Method of Education

The Montessori method of education was originated by Dr. Maria Montessori, an innovative educationalist who believed that every child was an individual. She created an ethos of respect and love which underpins the desire to let each and every child reach for the stars.

Independence and the opportunity to work individually with a teacher using specially created equipment is an important feature in Montessori schools.

The original Montessori School was opened in 1907 and Montessori nurseries and schools were established throughout the world in the years which followed.

The enthusiastic revival of Montessori schools in recent years has been due in large part to a growing awareness of the importance of early literacy. ‘For the Montessori method of teaching reading and writing is one of the best and most complete available today’ states Joan Beck (Educational Psychologist).

Much of the Montessori programme aimed at educating a young child’s senses is designed to culminate in the joyous and exciting discovery of reading and writing as a means of communicating. This discovery is fundamental to a child’s holistic development as an independent yet integrated member of society.
For without literacy he or she cannot enter fully into the culture of his or her community. Similarly, it is with the same ease and pleasure that a child progresses in his or her knowledge of mathematics, arts, science, geography, history, foreign languages, and information technology.

'The child has his own laws of development, it is a question of following these ... not imposing ourselves on him'

Maria Montessori