Discovering a Child’s Love of Learning
The montessori method – after Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori developed her approach over 100 years ago based on her observations of children, and discovered that they have a genuine thirst for knowledge. The Montessori method is one of the few teaching methods that has truly withstood the test of time.
“Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world.” – Maria Montessori
When we follow the child and treat each one as an individual, he becomes absorbed and motivated to learn. A cornerstone of the Montessori teaching is that, much like within a family, older and younger children learn from each other. Patience, understanding, friendship, and community are only a few of the basic concepts children learn in Montessori schools.
The learning materials in the Montessori classroom are hands-on: everything abstract becomes concrete. Montessori work appeals to all of the senses to bring learning to life for the child! This approach supports young children with all types of learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
In addition, every child in the Montessori classroom is allowed to grow at her own pace. In this way, each individual child can develop her own interests within the classroom, and discover her own love of learning. This accommodates both the child who grasps concepts quickly and the child who learns better through repetition.
Our Montessori Classrooms offer the ideal montessori environment
Montessori offers a rich curriculum, including practical life, sensorial, language, cultural, life science, art, math and music–but Montessori is about much more than academics. Grace, courtesy, and kindness are cornerstones of the Montessori classroom. Children learn a healthy respect for themselves, others, and the world around them.
Montessori children work independently and in groups, and they are encouraged to make decisions from an early age. These children are problem solvers who can make choices and manage their time well.
Montessori children are encouraged to exchange ideas and discuss their work freely with others. Good communication is a fundamental skill to a successful future.
Research has shown that one of the best predictors of future success is a sense of self-esteem. Montessori programs, based on self-directed and non-competitive activities, help children develop:
- strong self-images
- confidence to face challenges and change with optimism
- creativity
- self-control
- problem solving skills
- a love of learning
- kindness and empathy for others
For more information about our programs, contact us or book a tour.
For further information about the Montessori Method, please check out the links below:
“What is Montessori?” American Montessori Society
Trevor Eissler, “Montessori Madness” -321 FastDraw
Why Montessori?
One of the most daunting and yet most rewarding decisions a parent can make is the type of education that they will provide for their child. So: why should you choose Montessori?
Montessori is a child-centered approach that builds self-confidence through daily work in a curriculum where kindness, empathy, and a love of learning are the foundations.
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher…is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.” – Maria Montessori
A Montessori School |
A Traditional Classroom |
| Emphasis: academic, emotional, and social development | Emphasis: academic development |
| Child is the center of the classroom | Teacher is the center of the classroom |
| Environment and method encourage self-discipline | Teacher disciplines |
| Mainly individual instruction | Mainly group instruction |
| Mixed-age grouping | Same-age grouping |
| Mixed-age grouping encourages children to teach and help each other | Most teaching led by teacher |
| Child chooses his own work | Curriculum structured for the child |
| Child works as long as he wishes on chosen activity | Child generally allotted specific time for work |
| Child sets his own learning pace | Pace of instruction usually set by group norm |
| Child reinforces his own learning through repetition of work and internal feelings of success | Learning is reinforced externally by repetition and rewards |
| Multi-sensory materials for physical exploration | Fewer materials for sensory development |
| Organized approach to learning care of self and environment (tying shoes, washing dishes) | Less emphasis on self-care instruction |
The Whole-Child Approach
Montessori focuses on developing children with a whole-child approach. This method helps each child to reach his or her full potential in all areas of life.
“The child’s emotional, social, physical and cognitive needs and interests are considered to be inseparable and of equal importance. The child is seen as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment, with the guidance of a specially educated teacher.” (“Montessori: Innovative, Bold, Empowering, Essential!”–American Montessori Society)
At Village Green, each child is a cherished and invaluable member of our community.