Philosophy
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- Children learning through puzzle-play.
Maria Montessori was a pioneer in providing a philosophy
of education for young children which gave the children
value and respect. The philosophy is very consistent with
modern early childhood educational philosophy. A child's
social and emotional well-being is made a priority, as
well as the ability to access learning materials which
are suited to his or her developmental level. Building
self-esteem and social competence is important as well
as stimulating their interest in the world and love of
learning.
In preparing children for success in the world, a strategic
and deliberate plan to teach life skills begins early.
Although often considered a very academic -style of education,
the "formal" learning takes place when the individual
child is ready and interested, and delivered in a non-formal
or "play" based approach. Learning is often by imitating
the activity as demonstrated by the teacher, rather than
needing to process verbal instructions and translate into
activity.
Self-correcting errors in their activities, the satisfaction
of seeing an activity reach completion and being responsible
for their own activities and actions are hallmarks of
the Montessori Philosophy in practice.
"Children have never been very good
at listening to their elders, but they have never failed
to imitate them."
~ James Baldwin
"Learning from experience is
a faculty almost never practiced."
~ Barbara Tuchman
