Maria Montessori 1870-1952 was the first woman doctor and psychologist, she worked with disadvantaged children in San Lorenzo. Through her observations she realised that each child had a great untapped intellectual potential and that through her system all children could achieve their full potential.
The Montessori teacher is termed a directress, because her role is to direct and guide the child's studies. With the younger children she plays a more active role, when demonstrating the use of equipment and presenting opportunities for development. As the approach recognises that children under 3 years old use their senses as their most important learning tool our infant and toddler community focuses on the sensory areas by encouraging the child's independence and spirit of exploration. The directress intervenes less and less as the children develop.
Our Children's House is organised into 5 specific areas, identified by Montessori and underpin the in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). These are:
Our children have regular access to the outdoor environment, where we have a large sandpit, playhouse, climbing apparatus and a range of small apparatus. This has been designed to develop gross-motor skills and allow children to refine their spatial awareness.
Children are encouraged to take care of our environment by looking after plants and trees and observing wildlife and seasonal changes. There will also be opportunities to investigate the properties of water and how it can be used to keep our environment clean.
Our children are encouraged to be involved in food preparation, serving and eating together. They also have access to a wide range of foods from different cultures and are able to contribute ideas to our weekly menu, which is clearly displayed.
"The goal of early childhood education should be to cultivate the child's own natural desire to learn"
Maria Montessori
The best way to summarise the approach of Montessori education is from the child's perspective "Show me how to do it for myself".