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The Montessori approach is an educational philosophy that emphasises child-centered learning, independence, and the natural development of a child's innate abilities. The approach values respect for the child, individualised learning, and a prepared environment that fosters independence and responsibility. It is known for promoting qualities such as self-motivation, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.

Origins and history
The Montessori approach was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, and educator in the early 20th century. In 1907, she opened the first Casa dei Bambini, or "Children's House," in Rome, Italy, which is often considered the birthplace of Montessori education.

Dr. Montessori's work was grounded in her observations of children's natural tendencies and her belief in the importance of providing an environment that supported their intrinsic desire to learn. She developed specialised materials and teaching methods that encouraged self-directed learning and independence.

The Montessori method gained recognition and began to spread internationally in the early 20th century. Montessori schools were established in various countries, and the approach started to gain popularity.

In 1929, the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) was founded by Dr. Montessori to promote her educational principles and ensure the fidelity of the Montessori method worldwide.

Over the years, Montessori education experienced periods of growth and decline, influenced by social and educational trends. It had a resurgence in the 1960s and 1970s during the progressive education movement.

Contemporary Montessori Education
Today, Montessori education continues to thrive around the world. It is found in various settings, from traditional schools to infant and toddler programs, serving children from birth through adolescence.

Main Montessori Principles
The core principles of Montessori education, including mixed-age classrooms, self-directed learning, specially designed materials, and respect for the child, remain central to the approach's philosophy.

The Montessori approach's emphasis on individualised learning and holistic child development has made it a significant influence on modern education and continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking an alternative to traditional educational models.

Free choice / Freedom of Movement and Choice

Following the child / Respect for the Child -

Controlled / Prepared Environment -

Noninterference - In the words of Dr. Montessori, "Every time the adult helps the child unnecessarily, he stops or thwarts its development." The approach emphasises the need to allow the child to learn through experience, suggesting that helping children may actually hinder them when it is not necessary.

The absorbent mind - Montessori claimed that the first six years of life are the most crucial and refered to this as the period of the ‘absorbent mind’ to describe the child’s sponge-like capacity to absorb information from their environment.

Sensitive Periods - In Montessori, the concept of a sensitive period refers to a phase of heightened curiosity and growth spanning from birth to the age of 6. The sensitive period is the "time for optimal learning", in which the child is driven from intrinsic motivation to discover something new and learn new skills.

Intrinsic Motivation

Independence - If adults have to intervene, they try to do so in a way that keeps the child feeling in charge. From the continual dispenser of knowledge, he or she has to learn to accompany and serve the child on a journey of self-formation, to an independent and fully functioning being. To become all that each child can be as a fully functioning, independent being, the child must be helped to develop his or her will. The goal is to be able as adults to exercise self-control in all areas of life: the ability to follow through, to make our actions follow our words, to be trustworthy, to develop what we are accustomed to call “character.”

Engaged observer

Auto-Education

Educating the Whole Child

Individualised Learning

Order

Intrerest

Learning from peers

Movement

Context

Teacher guidance