Montessori Education
Our Principles
The principles of Montessori education
Let’s take a look at the 7 most important principles of Montessori education. These principles can be used both at Montessori schools and at home.
1. Play is work
We should take the play very seriously as it is the way the child expresses himself.
Maria Montessori believed that playing is the ultimate way of learning and that children have a natural desire for knowledge that should be supported through the right tools.
“Play is the work of the child.”
– Maria Montessori
2. Prepared environment
The prepared environment is an essential part of the Montessori method. It should be an environment of beauty, where children can move freely and act independently.
The Montessori environment should also be structured and have the order. It may seem counter-intuitive to the “freedom of movement” but the truth is – toddlers love order and routine. It helps them to navigate the world they live in.
3. Independence
Montessori education leads to independence. It encourages exploration and teaches toddlers to take responsibility for themselves, their belongings, and the environment. The Montessori schedule often includes practical activities like sweeping or personal care.
The golden rule of the Montessori approach is:
“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”
– Maria Montessori
4. Hands-on learning
Children learn through experience. From birth to the age of 6, the child is able to learn new things effortlessly and unconsciously, just by being in the right environment and having the opportunities to explore.
Maria Montessori called this concept the absorbent mind. It means the child is able to “absorb” new information like a sponge.
“The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to age six. For that is the time when man’s intelligence itself is being formed.”
– Maria Montessori
5. Observation
Raising children in the Montessori philosophy means observing them carefully and noticing what they are interested in.
There are certain periods – called sensitive periods – when the child is very interested in one kind of activity. It can be climbing, transporting things, focus on small details or language.
By observing the children, we can provide appropriate activities and create an environment that will support the development of the skill they are currently focused on.
6. Freedom within limits
Freedom doesn’t mean children can do whatever they want. It means we give them the opportunity to choose freely from the options we approved and that are good for them – whether it’s the activity they want to engage in or the dress they want to wear.
Montessori teachers and parents are guides (or, as Maria Montessori used to say, gardeners). We can provide the right conditions and point in the right direction, but we show respect to the way our children decide to go.
Which brings us to the last principle…
7. Respect
The Montessori method is about mutual respect between the child and the parent.
It also means that we understand that each child is a unique individual with his or her own needs, capabilities, and way of learning.