The Montessori Method

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We feel that the Montessori method of education offers the child the best foundation in social skills, academic concepts and an exposure to new experiences.  The Montessori philosophy coincides with many of the latest educational reforms, such as allowing the child to work at their own pace, grouping children by multi-age and team teaching.  We welcome the opportunity to create and maintain a quality Montessori education program in the southwest area of Minneapolis. 

The Montessori Method of education was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori a century ago.  It is characterized by an orderly, prepared environment which allows the child to learn at his or her own rate in a non-competitive atmosphere.  In a Montessori school children develop a strong sense of respect for themselves, for others and their environment. Children are free to move about the classroom at will, to talk with others, to work with any equipment whose purpose they understand, and to ask the teacher to introduce new materials.

The teachers work with the children individually and in groups introducing materials and giving guidance when needed. One of their primary tasks is the careful observation of the children in order to determine their needs. Their method of teaching is indirect in that they neither impose upon the children nor abandon them as in non-directive, permissive approaches. Rather, they are constantly alert to the direction in which the children have indicated they wish to go, and they actively seek ways to help them accomplish their goals.  The role of the teacher is to help the children teach themselves through the use of the Montessori materials.

What is the Montessori understanding of the nature of the child?

Dr. Montessori felt that her greatest discovery was that children like to work as well as play.  In fact, children have a natural drive to work in order to develop.  the child's greatest task is to create an adult.  As a result, children are not content unless they have an opportunity to develop and learn. 

What is Dr. Montessori's view of education?

Dr. Montessori felt that education should no longer consist only of imparting knowledge, but must instead take a new path seeking the release of human potentialities.  However, it must not be forgotten that, "If education is to be an aid to civilization, it cannot be carried out by emptying out the schools of knowledge, of character, of discipline, of social harmony, and above all of freedom." 

Isn't a Montessori school primarily concerned with intellectual development? No. We are interested in the child's total development - which, when accomplished, does equip him for intellectual development. 

Don't the children in a Montessori classroom miss out on social development? Actually, they are in a more meaningful social situation than they are likely to find elsewhere. In going about their daily activities in the classroom they meet and talk with each other, discuss common problems, correct each other's mistakes, answer questions, borrow and lend, and help each other in many ways 

What is the difference between a Montessori school and a nursery school? This is really impossible to answer, because there are so many types of nursery schools.  Some are largely devoted to social development, or are merely babysitting services.  Others are interested in more aspects of the total development of the child.