The Montessori Method
Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) created the Montessori Method through scientific study based on the natural path of child development. She was a trailblazer in many aspects of her life, as the first woman to practice medicine in Italy and creating a new pedagogy. The first Montessori Classroom, Casa dei Bambini ("House of the Children"), was established in Rome, Italy in 1907. Today, there are Montessori programs for infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents on every continent except Antarctica!
The Montessori Method does not have a religious affiliation.
The term "Montessori" is widely used but can be misleading, as it is a surname and cannot be trademarked. Since Maria Montessori could not trademark her pedagogy, lessons, or materials, there are no universal standards for what constitutes a "Montessori school.” At Moss & Heart, all Lead Guides have completed training through institutions accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), a gold standard in training and profesional development. We support Assistants and Substitutes in their growth as emerging Montessorians.
3 Key Elements of a Montessori Classroom
The Prepared Adult - The Montessori Guide possesses deep knowledge of child development and the connection between children and materials. Through patient observation, they develop a deep understanding of each child, fostering trust and supporting growth within the classroom environment.
"She must acquire a moral alertness which has not hitherto been demanded by any other system, and this is revealed in her tranquility, patience, charity, and humility. Not words, but virtues, are her main qualifications."
Dr. Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child, 151
The Prepared Environment - The classroom is both orderly and inviting, featuring materials perfectly sized and suited to each child's developmental level. We provide real glassware and functional tools - such as egg slicers, orange juicers, and tiny pitchers - allowing children to engage in hands-on learning. This thoughtful selection of materials enables children to explore and practice skills in a safe, unhurried environment.
"But in our specially prepared environments we see them all at once fix themselves upon some task, and then their excited fantasies and their restless movements disappear altogether; a calm, serene child, attached to reality, begins to work out his elevation through work. Normalisation has been achieved."
Dr. Maria Montessori, The Secret of Childhood, 162
Mixed Age Groups - In a classroom spanning ages 12 months to 3 years, older children naturally take on leadership roles, guiding and teaching younger peers while reinforcing their own skills and understanding. This dynamic fosters a strong sense of trust and community, as children learn to rely on themselves and each other—demonstrating to adults just how capable they truly are.
“There is a great sense of community within the Montessori classroom, where children of differing ages work together in an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competitiveness. There is respect for the environment and for the individuals within it, which comes through experience of freedom within the community.”
Dr Maria Montessori (as cited in Elizabeth Hainstock, 1986, p. 81 – The Essential Montessori)
Continuting Research
Research about the application and benefits of Montessori education is ever-growing.
One study by Dr. Angeline Lillard found that when the Montessori pedagogy is well-implemented (pure & true) children benefit far more - across several measures - as compared to conventional education. However, when Montessori classrooms are supplemented with non-Montessori materials and activities, students in these classrooms show little benefit as compared to conventional education. Takeaway: Implementation matters.
A more recent study, also by Dr. Lillard, surveyed adults ages 18-81 about schooling during childhood, taking into account and controlling for a variety of factors - e.g., ”age, gender, race, childhood SES, and years in private school”. A finding of positive correlations between children who spent two or more years in a Montessori Classroom and higher well-being as adults. Even when compared to children who attended other types of private schools their entire school career. Takeaway: Montessori education can create a healthy foundation for building the self. Note: findings are correlative, not causal.
