What is Montessori Education?

The Montessori Method of Education developed by Maria Montessori, is a child centered educational approach based on scientific observation of children. Montessori is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. In Montessori classrooms children make creative choices in their learning, while the classroom and the teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process. Children work in groups and individually to discover and explore knowledge of the world and to develop their maximum potential.  Montessori education encourages children to explore their world, and to understand and respect the life forms, systems and forces of which it consists.

Our training courses must  demonstrate understanding of educational theory, child  development,  observation techniques, use and presentation of the Montessori materials, and ability to create appropriate activities for children. The Montessori Teachers Training Course is a full time programme designed to help students understand the theory and practice of Dr. Montessori’s Philosophy on Education. The course is over a period of one year.

•  Follow the child.
•  Respect and encourage the child.
•  Give freedom of movement (as long as children aren’t in danger or misusing that freedom).
• Encourage independence and decision-making.
•  Provide as many opportunities for hands-on learning as possible.
•  Emphasize practical life (daily living) and sensorial activities during the preschool years.
•  Prepare and maintain an orderly and attractive environment.
•  Provide child-size materials and real child-size tools. Low shelves with materials on trays and             child -size tables and chairs are important features of Montessori early-childhood education.
•  Don’t interrupt a child’s work cycle. Allow children to choose their activities and work uninterrupted to develop an ever-increasing ability to concentrate.
•  Demonstrate how to do activities.
•  Isolate the difficulty in an activity whenever possible. For example, when introducing colors, have materials that vary in color but not shape or size.