What is Montessori?

Maria Montessori was a truly remarkable, brave and inspirational woman, a trailblazer many years ahead of her time. She became one of the most important early year educators of the 20th century, an innovator of classroom practices and ideas which have had a profound influence on the education of young children the world over. The Montessori Method believes that children learn directly from their environment and other children. The teacher is there to facilitate the child’s exploration and creativity. All subjects are interwoven and the child learns at their own pace. This helps each child gain independence and confidence, and be proud of their own achievement. Montessori children are usually very adaptable. They have learned to work independently, and in groups. Astonishingly there are now 22,000 Montessori schools worldwide and many non-Montessori schools use elements of her methodology. Maria Montessori died in Holland in 1952 aged 82. She was a true pioneer of child centered education, she was a brave, enlightened and dynamic woman who was years ahead of her time. Her innovative classroom practices and ideas have had a profound influence on the education of young children all over the world.