Why choose Montessori?

 Montessori is a practical and natural approach to education. It is characterised by an emphasis on independence, freedom of choice within limits, mutual respect and building of self-confidence and self-esteem. 

Dr. Montessori saw that children construct their own personalities through the choices they make while interacting with their environment. She closely observed the manner in which children learn, through watching them work with the developmental materials she created over time. Those materials were designed to enable children to teach themselves, through their own, proactive efforts of exploration.

Her ideas surrounding education were based on her personal observations in which philosophy and pedagogy are intertwined. They encourage the children to develop their creativity, problem solving skills, critical thinking and time-management. The children can therefore contribute to society and the environment, and become fulfilled persons in their particular time and place on earth. This holistic approach is the basis of the Montessori practice: children find their inner motivation for learning while their individual choice of research and work is respected.

Provided with the right kinds of activities at the right time of development in an atmosphere of respect and freedom, the child will absorb knowledge effortlessly, and his or her intellectual, social, moral and spiritual development will be nurtured and satisfied. 
There are 3 central ideas to The Montessori Method:

1 It is a method based on the universal characteristics of the child i.e. children have an inborn motivation to learn, they have an absorbent mind and they learn through sensitive periods.

2 The classroom is a prepared environment, where there is freedom, structure, order, simplicity, aesthetic awareness and above all there is harmony.

3 The teacher has a professional preparation and deep respect for the child.

Children are not expected to conform to set standards of achievement as in conventional schools. The Montessori Method takes account of the needs, talents, gifts and individuality of each child. The children learn at their own pace, in an atmosphere where their  work is valued which makes learning fun.

In a Montessori environment children are encouraged to respect and help each other. If they choose, they will work with other children, help each other, or 'teach' each other, and they enjoy doing so.

The Philosophy:

Natural Spirituality 

Children thrive on order and structure

Children move through sensitive periods 

Children learn through their senses 

Children need freedom 

Children absorb their culture 

Children are natural learners