Dr. Maria Montessori
Montessori (pronounced MON-tuh-SORE-ee) education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She based her educational methods on scientific observation of children's learning processes. Guided by her discovery that children teach themselves, Dr. Montessori designed a "prepared environment" in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities

Now, nearly a century after Maria Montessori first developed her educational methods, Montessori education is found all over the world. Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, using many hands-on materials. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.

Characteristics of Montessori Education
Multi-age classrooms
Classes have a vertical age structure, spanning three years. Younger children have the opportunity to learn by observation and absorption of the work of older children, while the older children also have opportunities to teach the younger ones, thereby acquiring a greater depth of understanding as well as greater confidence and competence. The classroom is a society in itself, fostering equal opportunity for all where the child can develop socially.

Self-Directed Learning
The Montessori approach is child centered and allows an unfolding of each child in an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competition, according to his or her own true nature. The role of a Montessori teacher is in constructively guiding children in their learning.  Montessori students have an individual work plan, which the teacher and student prepare and oversee together. The student is responsible for fulfilling his/her individual contract, with teacher guidance, on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.  Montessori based her approach on the belief that real learning must take place through the spontaneous activity of children in a non-competitive environment, which promotes a joy of learning and the development of self- discipline. Such an environment would develop in children intrinsic motivation and lead children to become the active force in their own education, a discoverer in their own environment, able to learn through their own experiences and apply their knowledge to novel situations.

Prepared Environment
Believing that the environment should aid and foster the child's development throughout life, Maria Montessori designed the Prepared Environment - a classroom environment to satisfy the child's differing needs.
Children work with concrete materials which isolate important concepts and skills. Many of these materials are self-correcting. Activities are self-directed so that children have a sense of control over their own learning and are able to follow their own interests.

Self-Discipline
At school, children work spontaneously in a prepared environment. Within limits, they are free to choose their own work, and work at their own pace, to move around and communicate with others in the classroom. The limits imposed are in relation to the collective interest and this means that children learn to have respect for the rights and safety of others and for the environment. This is the Montessori approach to self-discipline. They learn to use care with materials, to help other children and to become a co-operative member of the group. This enables each child to enjoy the freedom which is offered, while  displaying a developing discipline.

For More Information
Internet:

• www.montessori.org - The Montessori Foundation
• www.montessoriconnections.com - Montessori Connections
• www.montessori-namta.org - The North American Montessori Teachers Assocation

Books and Publications:

• The Montessori Way: An Education for Life by Tim Seldin and Paul Epstein – This recently released book (2004) provides clear and comprehensive introduction to Montessori education.  We reccomned this book as a great starting point.  It is currently available only through the Montessori Foundation. Click here to order.
• Montessori: A Modern Approach by Paula Polk Lillard – This book offers the clearest and most concise statement of the Montessori method for educators, childcare professionals and/or parents.
• The Essential Montessori by Elizabeth G. Hainstock – An introduction to the woman, the writings, the method and the movement.
• The Absorbent Mind by Dr. Maria Montessori – Montessori’s philosophy and her belief in “education from birth” through the “preparation of the environment.”
• Tomorrow’s Child, A publication of The Montessori Foundation – Published five times a year, Tomorrow’s Child is the official magazine of The Montessori Foundation, a non profit organization.