Montessori classrooms depend upon a web of mutual respect. This culture of respect is established from the very beginning: from how the classroom is arranged and sized for the children, to how we greet each other at the start of the day, to how the adults refrain from interrupting children’s concentration.
To support a child's development, Montessori programs offer carefully designed sensorial materials that follow a formal, systematic approach. The materials isolate each sensorial quality and offer children what Dr. Maria Montessori called the “keys to the world.”
Consider, as an adult, what it takes for you to do your best work. What must your environment look like? What do you need from others? What constraints do you need removed in order to meet your goals?
So much of what we do in our Montessori environments is with the goal of the child’s independence in mind. They may need our support sometimes, but children are capable of much more than many people realize.
When you visit a Montessori school, you’ll likely hear the phrase “practical life.” We thought it might be helpful to provide a little more context so we can share why practical life is so important to what we do.
Are you considering your childcare options? Learn the distinctions between Montessori schools and daycare centers so you can choose the best option for your family.
The Montessori method teaches math to students in a way that keeps them engaged and helps them grasp its importance. They learn mathematical skills through the five senses in the sensorial section of a Montessori classroom where they acquire their first experience with numbers through shapes.
Authentic Montessori schools share several common characteristics. When visiting Montessori schools, we recommend using this as a guide or checklist to help you evaluate the quality of the program.
