The Genius of Maria Montessori 

Dr. Montessori discovered long ago that the child under six has a miraculous ability to absorb their worlds.

She called this “The Absorbent Mind”. The young child can absorb language, perfect movement and internalize order, developing from a helpless baby to a competent child in a few short years.

Never will these sensitivities be more alive than in the early years of life. The young child is curious about everything and needs to explore and discover through purposeful activity.

The Montessori classroom is prepared with the only the child in mind. The physical space and routines of the classroom are designed to maximize independent learning and exploration.

The 3 year old who says, “ I can do it myself” is encouraged to do so. Objects are placed so children can reach what they need, without having to wait for adult help.

Learning materials are self correcting, so that the children learn by manipulating the material and they can be successful.

Montessori developed learning materials to stimulate the child into discovery.

Each piece of material is simple and carefully designed to appeal to the child at his or her stage of development.

The Montessori classroom and activities encourage each child to move, touch, manipulate and make discoveries.

Dr. Montessori noticed that children do not learn from listening an adult talk but rather from observation and experience.

"When a child is happy in their environment he/she is interested in working and experimenting-this leads to calm a joyful learning experience-which lead to inner discipline." 

The child has freedom to work independently, based on their own initiatives with gentle and respectful guidance from the directress.

The Role of the Directress

The teacher in a Montessori classroom is called a directress (observer/helper).  Her job is to present new lessons to the child on an individual basis and then the child practices on his/her own until they master it.  The teacher or assistant in the classroom assist the children as needed.  The directress gathers information about the children to determine how best to encourage their development.  Daily records are kept about each child, noting their choices of work, progress and new lessons taught and mastered.  Both the directress and her assistant are observers and supporters of the children's daily activities.

Not every Montessori Program is the real thing.  

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