What is Montessori Education?
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The Montessori Nursery School follows the principles of a science-based educational method which enables young children to develop to their full potential in a nurturing, home-from-home environment.
Montessori is..
About Montessori Dr Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian physician, psychologist and educator. A medical doctor by training, she developed her unique, science-based educational method through observing and teaching children from diverse backgrounds, and went on to become one of the most influential educators of the 20th century. Maria Montessori was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize, for her work with children. Montessori recognised that young children have many unique qualities, including unusual sensitivity and mental powers for absorbing and learning from their environment. That young children have a desire to develop their own unique interests, and drive their own activities. She observed that children absorb information from the world around them and that, if given the freedom to explore an environment suited to their needs, they will quickly become confident and make considered choices. They learn to be respectful and accepting of others, creating a supportive and kind mini-society, while exploring their world with great happiness and enthusiasm. Montessori gathered her findings and went on to develop a new pedagogical method which would become highly influential across the world. Worldwide, Montessori settings provide a calm, safe and organised environment for students to learn. Children experience self-directed, hands-on learning, using real materials which have been designed specifically for their small hands. Highly trained teachers guide the process of learning, by observing and then offering each child individually-appropriate activities and opportunities to discover things for themselves, thus developing their understanding and knowledge of the world. Learning takes place individually and collaboratively, inspiring wonder, curiosity, kindness, creative thinking and self-discipline. |
The five curriculum areas of a Montessori education are:
Practical Life - every day living skills, such as transferring, cleaning, self care, and grace and courtesy Sensorial - learning through the development of all the senses using unique Montessori materials Language - a complete Montessori literacy program up to age 6 Maths - hands-on Montessori maths materials to develop a concrete understanding of mathematical concepts and skills Culture - geography, science (botany, biology, geology), music, art, yoga |
Montessori today
Since Montessori’s methods were based on sound science, they accord with physiological development, psychology and neuroscience today. Recent neuroscience discoveries find that Montessori was ahead of her time!
Montessori students develop inner confidence and belief in themselves, as well as enthusiasm, self motivation and a thirst for learning. They are also better able to think both laterally and critically and collaborate well with others - all essential skills for modern day life and work.
There are now over 22,000 Montessori settings across the globe. Watch our short videos and see why you should choose a Montessori education over traditional state education. Or find out more about our boutique Montessori nursery in Edinburgh here.
Since Montessori’s methods were based on sound science, they accord with physiological development, psychology and neuroscience today. Recent neuroscience discoveries find that Montessori was ahead of her time!
Montessori students develop inner confidence and belief in themselves, as well as enthusiasm, self motivation and a thirst for learning. They are also better able to think both laterally and critically and collaborate well with others - all essential skills for modern day life and work.
There are now over 22,000 Montessori settings across the globe. Watch our short videos and see why you should choose a Montessori education over traditional state education. Or find out more about our boutique Montessori nursery in Edinburgh here.