Who was Montessori?

Dr Maria Montessori was a pioneer of childhood education. She developed educational materials and programmes to assist children in their understanding of the world. To find out more about Dr Maria Montessori visit the links page.

What age do children start?

Montessori playgroups are avilable for children 18 months to 3 years of age. Children can begin pre-school at 3 years of age.

What is a Montessori playgroup like?

A Montessori playgroup aims to provide a friendly and caring environment for all children and their carers. Children learn:
• to play amongst other children and respond to other adults.
• to develop a sense of respect, sharing and co-operation.
• to participate in new experiences and have fun.
• to develop a sense of independence and self esteem.
• to learn some simple routine in preparation for pre-school.

What is a Montessori School like?

Schools offer a variety of programmes including pre-schools for 3-6 year olds, primary schools offering extensions for 6-9 years old and 9-12 years and for children with special needs.
These times of growth follow children's sensitive development periods. The layout is usually open plan filled with specially designed equipment and activities. Children remain in the same classroom with the same teacher for three years.
Most Western Australian schools are parent run, parent administered. Classes are led by the teaching staff.
If you would like to see some photos of Montessori equipment visit some of the schools.

What do children experience and learn?

Children work within an orderly environment containing concrete activities which are often self correcting. They progress from simple to complex, from concrete to abstract.
There are five key areas:
• Practical Life, care of the person and environment.
• Sensorial equipment, educating and refining all senses.
• Language, a preparation for reading and writing.
• Mathematics.
• Cultural, Geography, Botony, Zoology, Science, Art and Craft.

How is a Montessori Classroom different?

• A multi-aged, multi-graded heterogeneous grouping of students.
• A diverse set of Montessori materials, activities, and experiences which are designed to foster physical, intellectual, creative, social, and personal independence.
• A time-table which allows large blocks of time to problem-solve, to see connections in knowledge and to create new ideas.
• A classroom atmosphere which encourages social interaction for cooperative learning, peer teaching, and emotional development.

What Happens When a Child Leaves Montessori?

'Montessori children are usually adaptive. They have learned to work independently and in groups. Since they've been encouraged to make decisions from an early age, these children are problem-solvers who can make choices and manage their time well. They have also been encouraged to exchange ideas and to discuss their work freely with others, and good communication skills ease the way in new settings.
Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a sense of self-esteem. Montessori programs, based on self-directed, non-competitive activities, help children develop good self-images and the confidence to face challenges and change with optimism.'

(The Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators About Montessori) (http://www.ccma.ca/ccma/aboutmon.htm)

Compare Montessori Education
with traditional education?