Why Montessori? 

PERHAPS THE QUESTION IS WHY NOT MONTESSORI? 

Society tends to underestimate the learning potential of our children.
  

        The "absorbent mind" of the child from birth to
        six years, enables him/her to discover and experience
        concepts first hand when given the prescribed
        environment in which to achieve competency.


How Is It Different From Other Educational Systems?


                          Why Is A Montessori Education So Different?

     As Dr. Montessori observed the children in her carefully prepared environment, she came to the following conclutions:

     1)  Children must have enough freedom to move and act.

     2)  Children take from their environment lanquage, characteristics and customs.

     3)  Through interacting with the environment, the child discovers, constructs, and reacts.

     The Montessori classroom incorporates the four avenues of learning; Practical Life, sensorial, Language and Math.  Enticing materials call to the child, and the lessons are given at appropriate times on each.  These materials, however, are not magic.  So much more is in store for the child.  It is the particular activities given with the materials that creates order and discovery.

     The Montessori guide is the key to the classroom.  The role of teacher and student appear to be changed.  The child is free to move, speak, and work.  Lessons in grace and courtesy lead the child to respect other's space so that their 'freedom' has feelings.  The Guide is a keen observer, watching for repetition, sequencing, and order.  It is the Guide's work to recognize the sensitive periods shown by the child, and to give lessons accordingly.  The child works to achieve independence.  Too often the adult stands in his way, constantly stepping in and thereby squelching what the child is trying to work out for himself.  Recognizing a child's potential can only be done when the child is allowed to reveal to us his accomplishments,  When the child is given the opportunity for concentration, he naturally becomes more self-confident, self disciplined, more gracious, and more affectionate.  Montessori deemed this the normalized child.

     The Montessori classroom holds a 3 year age span.  Younger children 'mentor' 5 and 6 year olds, and in the like manner, the older childfren become cognizant of youner children's needs and abilities.

     The peace and tranquility of the classroom incorporate singing, movement, and cultural opportunities involving music, art, biology and botany.

     Children are naturally motivated to learn.  Shouldn't we allow them to discover, repeat, concentrate and construct, so each child will reach his potential?



THE FOLLOWING QUOTES ARE FROM PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN
ATTEND THE MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S HOUSE OF LINCOLN.