The Montessori Approach

Self-directed Activity, Hands-on Learning and Collaborative Play

What is the Montessori Approach to Education?

Dr. Maria Montessori graduated as the first woman Doctor of Medicine in Italy in the 1890’s after which she became involved in working with children of varying abilities. She developed her own methods of educating and stimulating children which are still being used today.

One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child.

Key Facts!
Montessori Education:

It is through Dr. Montessori’s methods that educational settings such as Sunflower Nursery aim to encourage young children to carry on their learning process in the same way they have done since birth; not by teaching them in the formerly understood sense of imparting knowledge, but by providing them with apparatus and carefully thought out materials for them to learn at their own pace. Learning is fun for children if they are encouraged at the right time and in the right ways.

Our staff work to provide many opportunities for our children to learn at their own pace and level. This encourages self-discipline and personal growth, meaning that they are not doing something because we tell them to, but because they want to. The aim is to promote learning for themselves, from each other, and their environment. For example washing up their own cups and helping clear up after activities.

The Montessori method is informal and encourages the children to develop their own individuality and hopefully relieve any competitive pressure a child may feel in more formal surroundings.

The Montessori Classroom

Montessori at Home

Some Fantastic Resources

The Montessori approach is something that ideally encompasses a child’s learning in all aspects of their lives.  As such, we’ve put together some websites and resources that you can access at home to learn more about Montessori education and help your children engage with the philosphy.

We hope you find these useful, and if you come across any great Montessori resources, let us know and we might add them to this list.