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Montessori education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She based her educational methods on the works of Seguin and her own scientific observation of children's learning processes. Guided by her discovery that children flourish when presented with the right materials and the opportunity to repeat lessons, Dr. Montessori designed a "prepared environment" in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities. The Montessori Method emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading.
Montessori classrooms encompass an age span of three years. This allows younger students to learn from older role models and older students to test and reinforce their knowledge by helping younger classmates. Working in the same class for three years (6-9 and 9-12), children are able to develop a strong sense of community with their classmates and teachers. This also gives the children a foundation on which to build their future interactions with others and the world in general. The experience of success after an initial difficulty is the essence of effort. This simple concept facilitates self confidence and a tremendous interest in learning.
The Montessori curriculum is organized into a mosaic
of integrated studies. This is in contrast with the traditional education methods, where the curriculum is compartmentalized into subjects that are treated separately.
At Compass Star Montessori School, we feel that the Montessori Method truly embraces the spirit of the child. |
Our teaching must only answer
the mental
needs of the child,
never dictate them.
- from To Educate The Human Potential,
by Maria Montessori |
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