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 ("Children’s House"), 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 widespread use of the term "Montessori," however, can be a bit misleading. Because Maria Montessori was unable to trademark the her pedagogy, lessons, or materials, there are no universal qualifications for what is 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 is knowledgeable not just about child development and how to connect children with materials, but, through patient observation, builds knowledge and trust about each individual child in the class 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 orderly and beautiful, with materials that are just the right size and just the right level of difficulty for each student. Our classroom offers real glassware, functional materials (like egg slicers, orange juicers, and shoes that they can practice putting on and taking off) that enable children to practice in a safe, slow-paced 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 that includes children from 12 months to 3 years, older children become leaders and teachers to younger students, strengthening the skills and experience they share. In addition, children build trust and community by relying on themselves and their peers, learning- and showing adults- 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.
