What is Montessori Education?

Dr. Maria Montessori developed her methodology of early childhood education over many years, researching and working with disabled children/children with disabilities. In 1906, she began her Casa di Bambini, which served working-class families and their children. Within the Casa, Dr. Montessori introduced the didatic materials she developed during her time at Scuola Magistrale Ortofrenica, as well as practical life skills, such as self-care, caring for the environment, and caring for others.

In the Montessori classroom, children are encouraged to express their independence and freedom. The adult guides are responsible for preparing a well-organized environment, providing lessons on life skills and classroom materials, helping develop social and emotional skills, and closely observing each child's journey through the classroom. The well prepared environment can bring out the child's self-confidence as the child realizes their own potential.

"The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, ’The children are now working as if I did not exist.’" - Dr. Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind