Montessori Education: Unleashing Potential Through Innovative Education

Dr. Maria Montessori, born in Italy in 1870, created a unique way of teaching called the Montessori Method. In 1900, she led a school that taught teachers how to help kids who found learning difficult. She made special tools and teaching methods that worked so well that even those of us who were thought to be “unteachable” started passing tests. Her ideas soon spread and helped all kinds of kids learn better.

The child-centered approach of Montessori is about tailoring the education to each child. Having only one lesson plan will only fit some students since everyone has their own way of learning, taking in information, and giving information. Therefore, the starting point is to look at each of us kids individually and see what we need and then build the curriculum from there. This will provide us with an equal opportunity to learn and participate. That is what sets the Montessori Method apart because it is led by us and self-paced while still being guided, assessed, and enriched by caring teachers in a nurturing environment. When you enter a Montessori classroom, you will see different age groups with similar developmental stages working independently and in groups, deeply focused in their work, and respectful towards one another and their environment. The Montessori Curriculum consists of five categories: Practical Life, Mathematics, Language, Sensorial, and Cultural Studies.

Let’s hear about some experiences and impressions that parents have had with the Montessori Method. “In regards to my children, I think the biggest thing that Montessori gave them was independence and self-confidence. I saw them move from the early childhood environment into the primary school with no problem at all. Montessori teaches children how to solve problems, allows them to collaborate with others. It teaches them to have respect for themselves, respect for others, respect for the environment. It gives them the skills for life.”

Montessori is also a great learning environment for secondary students, teaching them essential skills such as working in groups, being collaborative, thinking independently, and taking initiative. “If you met me before I went to Montessori school, you would have seen a completely different person. I would have been that one kid that would have just been shying away in the classroom. Montessori has helped me become a leader.”