Montessori Objectives

The primary goal of the Montessori Method is to help each child reach his/her full potential in all areas of life. This is called the’’ the whole child” approach to learning. Activities promote the development of social skills, emotional growth and physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation.

The holistic curriculum allows the child to experience the joy of learning and to develop self esteem and independence. In order for self directed learning to take place, the whole learning environment, room, materials and social climate must be supportive of the learner, called the “prepared environment”. The directress provides necessary resources, including opportunities for children to function in a safe and positive climate. The directress thus gains the child’s trust, which enables them to try new things and build self confidence.Dr.Montessori’s observation of the kind of “toys” which children enjoy and return to play with repeatedly led her to design a number of multi- sensory sequential and self correcting materials which facilitate the learning of skills and concepts.

Our teachers follow the Montessori principles as they structure new activities for classrooms. Originally called a “directress”, the Montessori teacher sometimes called a guide, functions as a facilitator of learning. She is a role model, a designer of the environment, resource person, demonstrator, record keeper and observer of each child’s growth and development.

Each Montessori class operates on the principle of freedom within limits. Every presentation has its set of ground rules which differs from age to age, but it is always based on core Montessori beliefs, respect for each other and the environment. Children are free to work at their own pace with materials they have chosen either alone or with others. The teacher relies on her observations of the child to determine which new activity and material she may introduce to individual children or to a small or large group.