
The Montessori method was developed in Italy around the
turn of the century by Dr. Maria Montessori. Today it has
spread throughout the world and have become well known as
a respected method of developing mentally appropriate early
childhood education. Through research and scientific observation
Dr. Montessori discovered that children learn effortlessly
and joyfully through hands on teaching material in enriched
non-threatening environment. She also discovered that children
are motivated to learn through discovery and curiosity according
to their individual needs and interests. She termed these
phenomenon " the absorbent mind" and "sensitive
periods."
The carefully prepared environment of the Montessori Children's
house ( la casa del niño) provides an opportunity
for individualized learning. In this environment children
grow and develop at their own rate according to their inner
needs.
Children learn by doing. The academic subject as well as
the practical life and sensorial exercises are presented
as activities that can be felt, handled and manipulated.
These hand on exercises demonstrate information at the child
own level of understanding in an enjoyable and educational
way.
|