Montessori is an approach to education that focuses on the immense capacity of children to absorb information when given the freedom and independence to learn at their own pace. Children choose, try and do activities for themselves in a prepared environment with specially developed materials. The teacher’s close observation and guidance leads to an enormously powerful, confidence-building approach to learning. Children explore the environment in a safe, secure and interactive way with well-resourced materials and resources which link both the Montessori philosophy to the EYFS curriculum. There is an emphasis on social interaction, courtesy and respect for each other.
Within a Montessori classroom
- Easily accessible materials and equipment
- Freedom of movement within the prepared environment where children can make choices
- Personal ownership, with responsibility and respect for the environment, adults and peers.
- Learning from real life experiences and the natural environment
- The environment should be ordered and calm