Dr Maria Montessori (1870-1952) began her work in education at the turn of the century and went on to dedicate her life to the cause of the child. In 1907, she started the first Children's House in Italy. After extensive observation and work with children, she came to understand how they learn best. She believed that education begins at birth and that the first six years of life, being the most formative, are the more important both physically and mentally. It is during this time that a child’s powers of absorption are highest and attitudes and patterns of learning that will last for life are formed. Dr Montessori went on to expand her ideas into a fully articulated education program.

Montessori Approach

Dr Montessori believed that children have an innate positive attitude towards learning. She once said, "I don't need to teach anything to children: it is they who, placed in a favorable environment, teach me." In a Montessori classroom there is a special atmosphere of cheerful orderliness, calmness and purposeful work. The Montessori approach is child-centered, but adult guided. It is structured, but free for learning and emphasizes basics in an enjoyable way. Mutual respect between adult and child is paramount. The Montessori method aims to develop each child’s:

- concentration
- co-ordination
- persistence in completing a task
- self discipline
- sense of order
- desire to learn
- independence
- initiative
- creative self expression

The Montessori environment provides the young child with specifically designed activities and materials appropriate for growth and development. Dr. Montessori discovered that children of this age have an especially keen sensitivity to many areas of learning and development. These “sensitive periods”, as she called them, start to fade just as many educational programs are preparing to start their work with the child.