About Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870 and is the founder of the Montessori method of education. As the first female doctor in the country she gained a keen interest in the development of the young children, she recognised that the observation of the child is critical to teaching and is the basis of the philosophy of the curriculum. listen here https://youtu.be/UzmvtVAuuyI

Dr. Montessori became known for her work in pedagogy rather than as a physician and opened her first school, Casa di Bambini, “The Children’s House”. She soon saw the benefits of her teachings and discovered all children displayed a hunger and a love of learning. The materials Montessori designed, are all self correcting leading to each child’s  independence. She noticed children repeating activities over and over to master the concept with no need for any form of intervention or reward – the work of the child, in itself, is the reward.

The Montessori word spread fast and she travelled extensively to deliver her method – a method that still proves itself throughout all socioeconomic groups to be of outstanding value to the development of the child in creating the adult they are to become.

The Key Elements of a Montessori School

• Each environment is grouped into mixed ages of three year periods: 3-6 years, 6-9 years, 9-12 years, 12-15 years and 15-18 years.
• Montessori Schools have an uninterrupted work cycle, usually of 3 hours. This is a time when a child is free to choose their work without interruption providing the work is appropriate and maintained constructively.
• There are no rewards in a Montessori School just as there are no punishments.
• Each environment is prepared for the child, each making use of their time to construct and develop their character through their own learning.
• The educator (guide) in the environment is there to facilitate the child’s learning and therefore must have the respect, patience and humility to observe and offer learning at the child’s full potential.
• The Montessori curriculum is aligned with the Gauteng Department of Education.

The Montessori Environment

The Montessori environment is termed a Prepared Environment – carefully prepared with equipment, materials, furniture and resources. It is a space where quiet, calm and peacefulness are the key elements. Neutral colours and natural materials help in maintaining the calmness of the environment and allow the child to express their joy as they go about their day, each one making their own discoveries and exploring all they can. Montessori described this as “a nourishing place for the child designed to meet his needs for self-construction and to reveal his personality and individual growth pattern to us”.

The materials are an integral part of the environment they allow the child the freedom and independence to work alone or in a group, the “guide” or “teacher” is the link between the materials and the child in facilitating each child’s needs at every stage of their development.