What is Montessori?

The Montessori method is a comprehensive educational approach from birth to adulthood based on the observation of children’s needs in a variety of cultures all around the world.

Beginning her work almost a century ago, Dr. Maria Montessori developed this educational approach based on her understanding of children’s natural learning tendencies as they unfold in ‘prepared environments’ for multi-age groups (0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and 12-14).

The Montessori environment contains specially designed, manipulative ‘materials for development’ that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice.

Dr. Maria Montessori

Founded by Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952), an Italian physician and educator, the Montessori method arose in the process of her experimental observation of young children given freedom in an environment.

Based on her observations, she created an environment prepared with materials designed for their self-directed learning activity.

The method aims to duplicate this experimental observation of children to bring about, sustain and support their true natural way of being.

A selection of specially-designed ‘materials for development’:

Last updated on January 17, 2011 by The London School of English