Dr.Maria Montessori was the founder of Montessori education.
She studied the growth and development of children and made scientific
observations of their behavior. She then set up a method by which children
can grow to their utmost potential.
Her method is based on children ‘as they are’, and not as the adult sees them
to be. The system is designed to give the child a stimulating and engaging
environment, with the use of specially made materials, to enhance the child’s
learning at each specific period of growth.
The Montessori method has a threefold emphasis; The child, the environment,
the directress. The child is encouraged to grow at his own pace and to move
from one activity to the next freely. The environment is uniquely prepared to
allow the child to ‘learn through doing’. The classroom is designed to
encourage creative activity, develop the senses, increase motor coordination,
and intellectual activity.
The directress or teacher, is the facilitator of learning. She directs the children
when they require it and assists the child in the learning process.
