Why Montessori? Home / About Us / Why Montessori? Encouraging Learning & Independence When parents first reach out to us, they often know the term “Montessori” but aren’t quite sure what it means. What is Montessori? Are all schools the same? Are there differences? Why do the children seem to have so much freedom in the class? How are they so focused on their learning? We love it when parents ask us these questions! It gives us a chance to talk about how, when done right, Montessori can be such a great experience for children. About Maria Montessori Dr. Maria Montessori was the first female doctor in Italy. She changed the way we all think about education. Today, her method spans from infancy to high school. Over the past 100 years, this approach has been refined in schools around the world. It has sparked a global movement of Montessori education. The Montessori Method Mixed Age Classrooms In a true Montessori school, the children stay with the same teacher and classmates for several years. This helps them to build trust, independence, and social skills. These mixed age groups allow for individualized learning. In our classrooms, our students not only learn for themselves but also help each other grow through mentoring. Uninterrupted Work Time Montessori students have long, uninterrupted periods of time to work with materials that meet their interests. This gives them the chance to focus deeply on their work and learn at their own pace. They can take their time, be creative, and solve problems without feeling rushed. The 3-hour work period allows the children to fully engage in what they are doing, helping them build concentration and develop important skills. It also lets them enjoy the learning process without having to stop and switch to something else too quickly. Montessori Materials Montessori classrooms are filled with intentional, hands-on materials that help children learn by doing. These materials teach things like math, language, and life skills in a way that’s easy to understand. For example, in math, children use the Golden Beads to learn about counting and place value. They hold and count units, tens, hundreds, and thousands, which helps them understand how numbers work. In language, the Sandpaper Letters use sensory input as children trace letters with their fingers. This helps them learn the shapes and sounds of each letter. For life skills, the children use real tools, like small brooms or pitchers, to practice things like sweeping or pouring water. Highly Trained Teachers Teachers play a key role in shaping a child’s future, especially during the early years. In our Montessori schools, we choose teachers who are experts in child development and the Montessori method. Most have been trained through programs such as American Montessori Society (AMS), Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), or Eagle Montessori Teaching Academy (EMTA). We also support their ongoing learning and career development – helping them to stay dedicated to nurturing each child’s potential.
