Developed around the turn of the century by Maria Montessori, Italy's first female physician,
the Montessori method consists of a specialized teaching style and expertly designed
materials that combine to unlock each child's natural motivation to learn.
Unlike most traditional classrooms, in which teachers impose lessons upon a group of
children organized by age, Montessori creates an environment in which the teacher plays the
role of facilitator as each child satisfies his or her own inherent urge to learn and develop.
Further, as Montessori does not segregate children by age, older children share their skills
and knowledge with younger ones. This not only acts as an important motivator, as the
younger ones emulate their more advanced peers, it also serves to develop crucial social
skills as well.
In short, Montessori teaches children how to learn. What is more, it does so at a critical
age--two through six years--when their receptivity to new concepts is most keen and core
aspects of their personalities are being formed. Through Montessori they discover that the
will, ability and skills to learn are inside each of them rather than provided externally. And in
so doing, they develop a foundation of self confidence and esteem that can serve them for
the rest of their lives.
