What is Montessori?
A Montessori school is an environment which embodies the educational principles established by Dr. Maria Montessori as she consistently and scientifically observed how children develop and learn.
Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian physician who dedicated her career to the study of children.
The uniqueness of the Montessori Method is that it focuses on self-directed learning and helps a child develops their full potential by allowing them to work at their own pace according to their unique needs and abilities.
A sense of belonging, along with pride of accomplishment helps the child to grow up strong and secure. We have found that taking time to show a child how to help is actually easier in the long run than trying to keep him occupied and out of the way.
Montessori teachers practice lessons by themselves before giving them, to be sure there are no snags. If there is anything especially difficult in the procedure (such as unscrewing a lid or turning on a tap), we show this first separately in a lesson.
After you have shown him how to do something, invite him to try. Stay with him but don't interfere or criticize or correct him. Show him again, then or later making a positive new challenge out of one problem (now let's see if we can keep all the water in the sink and not a drop on the floor). Let him work at his own pace for as long or as short a time as he wishes.
Children are the most precious treasure a community can possess, for in them are the promise and guarantee of the future. They bear the seeds of the character of future society...
~~Letter from the Universal House of Justice to the Baha'is of the World, Ridvan 2000
The purpose of education: The development of character coupled with the development of basic skills, which is as essential foundation for higher learning, prepares the child for life.
Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education, can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.
~~ Bahaullah
