Montessori
“The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct their own experiences”. Maria Montessori
History
The Montessori philosophy was developed in the early 1900's by Dr Maria Montessori, an educator who saw the importance of nurturing 'The Absorbent Mind' in children. This approach encourages children to learn independently, in areas of interest within a prepared learning environment. Dr Montessori opened her first Montessori School, the 'Casa Dei Bambini' in 1907, and since this time the Montessori Philosophy has been widely adopted around the world as a progressive, disciplined and successful learning environment.
Rationale
Montessori works with the nature of the child and accepts that children know best what their developmental needs are. It is understood that young children have a burning desire to learn and if given materials corresponding with their needs, they learn easily and with enjoyment.
All materials are carefully chosen to correspond with such needs and must be well made, purposeful and attractive.
Educators observe the child in order to determine what activities and equipment the child is ready for. Because Montessori works with the nature of the child rather than against it, there are many differences between Montessori and traditional preschools:
-
Children are free to choose activities and use them as long as they wish
-
Activities are child, not teacher directed
-
There is no enforcement of the teacher’s desires unless it is for the common good
-
Programming is flexible
-
Montessori teaches to individuals rather than groups
-
An emphasis on self-discipline rather than teacher control
-
An appreciation of other languages and cultures is encouraged
The Montessori philosophy can assist children with additional needs due to the
amount of one on one we can provide and working with each child’s personal
needs, abilities and interest.
“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can suceed.” Maria Montessori
Our Aims and Beliefs
From her observations of what children did, Dr. Maria Montessori developed the notion of “a right time to learn”. She recognised that there are periods of heightened sensitivity in children’s lives when they show strong spontaneous interest in certain aspects of the environment. This interest helps them to learn easily because it stimulates them to engage in activities which help them to establish and refine such human characteristics as, for example, language. These observable phenomena provide the guide to what is offered in our Montessori program and help to support the following aims;
-
To place the needs of the child and family as top priority in the formulating of practice and policy in the centre.
-
To provide an environment that is secure, respectful and fosters reciprocal relationships with each family.
-
To work in partnerships and support parents' desires for their children to experience a warm, caring and friendly environment in which each child can develop to his/her full potential. This will in turn provide a solid foundation to their education.
-
To provide a prepared environment, physically and psychologically designed to meet the developmental needs of the child, in which the child is free to engage in their activity of interest.
-
To ensure inclusive practices are undertaken on a daily basis, catering to each child’s personal needs and abilities with a commitment to full participation for children with additional needs.
-
To support families in the education of their children by providing a program that reflects the diverse values of the children, families, educators and the wider community.
-
To encourage parents to visit and observe and also attend social events.
-
To encourage feedback on our philosophy and program.
-
To provide families with information on their child’s ongoing learning and reflective practices, and to encourage participation in the education and care of their children according to their own needs, interests, strengths and opportunities.
-
To demonstrate respect for individual family practices in a non-judgmental and professional manner.
-
To maintain a very high standard of hygiene and care.
-
To create an environment where educators work effectively as a team and to encourage educators in their professional development.
-
To create a home-like atmosphere that is open, caring, fun and respectful.