Why Montessori?

Maria Montessori concentrated on educating the whole child which she explained as, “the development of a complete human being, oriented to the environment, and adapted to his or her time, place and culture.” This means that when we are running into a brick wall with a child, we aren’t trying to force them to understand, we need to adapt and change the way we are teaching them. As educators sometimes we believe that since we have done something for so long, there is no reason to change it. Although that might be true for some things, like brushing your teeth every day. Yes, we should always do that for our students sake (haha). That same logic does not apply to teaching. We must not forget that we are preparing children to live successfully in their world, which means the future; rather than live primarily in ours, such as the past and present. Maria Montessori didn’t have a preconceived idea how to reach this goal for children. Her objective was to focus on observation. She believed that within the formative years of children lay the answers to humanity’s ability to renew itself in each succeeding generation.  As Montessori educators, we understand that our work is ongoing and we are learning alongside our students through observation and with grace and courtesy. Okay, so now that we know a little bit about Montessori, let’s dive a little deeper.

The Montessori Method: Understanding Its Core Principles

The Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, is an educational philosophy that has transformed how we understand and support child development. Rooted in the belief that children are naturally curious and capable of directing their learning, the Montessori method emphasizes independence, hands-on learning, and respect for a child's innate potential. I like to describe Montessori like a tree. The seeds (your wonderful kiddos) with the right soil (i.e. an environment like Littlefoot Montessori), and the right nutrients (i.e. parent engagement and participation) will grow and flourish over the 3-year cycle and be ready to enter first grade confident and eager to learn.

1. The Prepared Environment

One of the most distinctive features of the Montessori method is the "prepared environment." This concept refers to a carefully designed space that meets the developmental needs of children at different stages. As teachers/guides, we understand that in our Montessori classroom, every element is thoughtfully chosen to encourage exploration, independence, and a sense of order.

Materials are arranged on low shelves, allowing children to access them independently. Our environment is aesthetically pleasing, with natural light, neutral colors, and a sense of calm. Each material has a specific purpose and is designed to be self-correcting, meaning that children can learn through trial and error without constant adult intervention. This environment fosters concentration, encourages self-discipline, and supports the development of critical thinking skills.

2. The Role of the Teacher

In the Montessori method, our role is often described as that of a "guide" or "facilitator". I like to use the analogy “fly on the wall” because Montessori teachers observe their students closely but from a distance. We understand it is important to not interrupt their concentration and only step in when necessary to offer guidance, support, to help children overcome obstacles, or deepen their understanding. Our careful observation leads to a better understanding of their individual needs, interests, and developmental stages. Based on these observations, we introduce materials and activities that are appropriately challenging and engaging. Rather than directing the learning process, we create opportunities for children to explore and discover on their own. This approach respects the child's natural learning pace and encourages a love of learning that is self-motivated and enduring.

3. Child-Centered Learning (Following The Child)

A fundamental principle of the Montessori method is that learning should be child-centered. In practice, this means that children have the freedom to choose their activities, work at their own pace, and follow their interests. This autonomy is balanced with a sense of responsibility, as children are encouraged to take care of their environment, their peers, and themselves. Montessori classrooms are typically multi-age, with children of different ages learning together. This setup allows younger children to learn from older peers and gives older children the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge by teaching others. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of community and mutual respect.

4. Hands-On Learning

Montessori education is deeply experiential. Children learn through hands-on activities that engage their senses and promote active exploration. Montessori materials are designed to be manipulative, allowing children to physically engage with concepts such as math, language, and science. For example, instead of simply memorizing numbers, children might use beads to physically count and visualize quantities. This concrete understanding forms a strong foundation for more abstract thinking later on. Hands-on learning also helps children develop fine motor skills and enhances their ability to concentrate for extended periods.

5. Respect for the Child

At the heart of the Montessori method is a profound respect for the child as an individual. This respect is demonstrated in the way children are given choices, trusted with responsibilities, and treated with dignity. Montessori educators believe that every child has unique potential and that, given the right environment and support, they will naturally gravitate toward activities that help them grow and learn.

This respect extends to the child's natural development process, with the understanding that learning is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Children are allowed to progress at their own pace, ensuring that they are neither rushed nor held back in their educational journey. This is my favorite part about the Montessori method.

Conclusion

The Montessori method is more than just an educational approach; it is a philosophy that honors the whole child, nurturing their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. By understanding and embracing its core principles—a prepared environment, the role of the teacher, child-centered learning, hands-on activities, and respect for the child—parents and educators can create a supportive and enriching learning experience that empowers children to reach their full potential grow into a beautiful tree with many branches and facets to them.

Written by Lord Ramsey, Director of Littlefoot Montessori