What Montessoriactually means.
The word gets used loosely. We use it the way Maria Montessori meant it: a method, a curriculum, a set of materials, and a philosophy about how children learn when adults stop getting in the way.
What is Montessorieducation?
Montessori education is a living, concrete form of education built on a few clear beliefs about how children actually learn.
The senses are the way in
A child's mode of access to knowledge is through the senses. They learn by touching the work, holding the material, doing the activity. Real objects make abstract ideas physical.
Curiosity is the fuel
Children have a never-ending curiosity. When fostered instead of redirected, it evolves into a love of learning and a strong sense of self.
Appreciation comes before education
When children learn to appreciate themselves, others, and their environment, they develop a thirst for knowledge that lasts a lifetime.
Appreciation reaches beyond tolerance
Children can break through barriers by experiencing the culture of the world within their classroom. That is how education for peace actually starts.
The Child Uniquephilosophy.
Four things we hold to. Every classroom. Every campus. Every day.
Inclusion
A curriculum of support, where families of all compositions are valued and visible.
Bias-Informed Curriculum
We protect the personal values of families by not celebrating religious holidays. We celebrate cultural and seasonal events instead.
Non-Violence
We discourage characters and superheroes in play and clothing. We take time to teach peaceful resolution skills.
Partnership
The success of a child depends on the village philosophy. Parents and the school must be an active community together.