DR. MARIA MONTESSORI

Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) the first female doctor in Italy.  She became a renowned lecturer, pedagogist and humanitarian. Dr. Montessori had many contemporaries which included Freud, Piaget and  many others.   She developed her unique program of education after years of observing the child.  Through observation, Dr. Montessori created innovative concepts, methods and materials. The Montessori concepts have proven remarkably effective with children of all ages, abilities and cultures over the past five decades.

There are 4 principle areas of instruction in the Montessori Theory, they are as follows:

1. Practical Life
2. Sensorial
3. Academic
4. Physical Coordination and Creative Expression

The Montessori Method is designed to take full  advantage of the "absorbent mind" of the young child.  It is a unique cycle of learning developed for taking advantage of the child's sensitive years, between birth and 6 years old. Within an enriched environment any child is able to absorb concepts without any critical thinking behind the learning.  Their minds are like a sponge that absorbs knowledge.

Within an enriched environment, you will find Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathmatics, Language and Culture areas.  Together with the directress (teacher), and the child, concepts can be absorbed without stress.   In this environment the child is allowed to repeat an activity until they have uncovered the truths that within the materials. A confident and happy child emerges as the symbiosis of the directress, the child, and learning environment unite.

Dr. Maria Montessori was nominated three times for the Noble Peace Prize in 1949, 1950 and 1951.