Maria Montessori was born in the town of Chiaravalle in Italy in 1870. She was the first Italian woman to qualify as a physician. Despite endless prejudices and obstacles, she was the first appointed doctor at the Rome University Psychiatric Clinic. It was here that she became very interested in the study of children's learning and began to develop a philosophy of education now known as the Montessori Method. As a young woman, she saw the potential that the education of young children could have in changing the nature of society. When she started her first school, Casa Dei Bambini, in 1907 the results were so outstanding for both the children involved and their families, that it caused an enormous amount of interest, both in Italy and elsewhere. She was as astonished as everyone else by the children's progress, both socially and intellectually and realized that she had uncovered something extraordinary about their learning abilities. This then became the focus of her life's work and the Montessori Movement was formed. Her work became internationally renowned and she became famous, not only for her educational work but her interest in world peace through moral reform. She was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize.

What is Montessori?

Montessori is a comprehensive educational approach from birth to adulthood, based on the observation of children's needs in a variety of cultures all around the world. Beginning her work almost a century ago, Dr. Maria Montessori developed this educational approach based on her understanding of children's natural learning tendencies as they unfold in ''prepared environments''.
The Montessori environment contains specially designed, manipulative ''materials for development'' that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice. Under the guidance of a trained teacher, children in a Montessori classroom learn by making discoveries with the materials, cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.
Montessori children are unusually adaptable. They have learned to work independently and in groups. Since they've been encouraged to make decisions from an early age, these children are problem-solvers who can make appropriate choices and manage their time well. Encouraged to exchange ideas, discuss their work freely with others, such students' good communication skills ease the way in new settings. Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a positive sense of self-esteem. Montessori programs, based on self-directed, non-competitive activities, help children develop strong self-images and the confidence to face challenges and change with optimism.

Why Montessori?

The Montessori experience is the result of the observations and genius of Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952). Upon graduation as the first woman medical doctor in Italy, Dr. Montessori became interested in the education and training of young children.
Dr. Montessori's observations of children convinced her that each child carries within himself or herself the person he or she will become. Each child's potential is reached through a process of striving, aided by a growing sense of order and self-discipline. Each child must be free to develop at his or her own rate. Montessori designed materials and techniques that allowed her students to work in a way previously considered beyond their capacity. Montessori quickly saw a new and valuable relationship develop within the classroom.
In this environment, the child will be able to develop socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally at his or her own pace.

The Montessori Environment

There are unlimited options that will engage and excite your child and help them build confidence.
The Montessori Method incorporates instruction in areas like

Practical Life

Sensorial Activities

Math

Language

Expression

Practical Life

Practical Life activities teach children life skills, such as hygiene, care of the person and environment, pouring, ordering, sewing, cleaning, etc., along with confidence that comes from ''Doing it Myself'', these activities promote motor control, sequencing, and concentration, all skills needed for more traditional academic subjects such as math and writing.

Sensorial Activities

Sensorial Activities help children to become Masters of their environment. By using all of their senses (e.g vision, hearing, tactile, taste, and smell) the child will thoroughly understand his/her environment.
Sensorial activities make abstract ideas concrete. For example working with magnetic and non-magnetic items or manipulating various 3-D geometric shapes over and over will seeing, touching, and hearing the name of the solid will make it easier for them to learn higher-level concepts.

Math

The younger students will begin to learn number concepts through rhymes, songs, poems, and activities. When the children are ready to make relationships between the words and the concept of the number, the Guide will help the child through concrete activities, to gain an understanding of math symbols, quantities, sets, math functions and more.

Language

The youngest children work on vocabulary enrichment and sentence development. Older children develop reading readiness skills by learning letter sounds and their shapes, which will enable them to construct words, with a strong emphasis on phonics. The children then progress into writing and reading skills.

Expression Activities

Expression activities include arts, crafts, music, and plant care. The children are encouraged to create freely with materials - and create they do! Musically, we focus on developing a sense melody and rhythm through the use of instruments and songs. Care of plants develops a commonality and responsibility to the Earth. Children learn about the life cycle of plants, where vegetables and fruits come from, and what living things need to grow.