Montessori Philosophy
At the beginning of the 20th century, Dr. Maria Montessori was working with “special needs” children, and her
observations led to a development of educational materials and methods based on her conviction that children learn best
by doing. In search of an opportunity to apply her teaching methods to “normal” children, she accepted a position directing
a day care center in an urban renewal project in Rome, Italy, in 1907. Here she further honed her philosophy of development
and her design for the optimum learning environment.
Dr. Montessori’s innovative learning philosophy focuses on the active personal pursuit of physical, social, emotional,
and cognitive experiences. Her developmentally appropriate approach was designed to fit each individual instead
of forcing the individual into a set program. The Montessori approach takes full advantage of a child’s desire to
learn and exposes the child to materials and experiences with freedom within limits.
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Goals of the
Montessori Method
With an eye toward the development of a competent, self-assured, independent, and caring adult, the Montessori method aims to:
- Foster natural curiosity and a positive attitude toward school
- Develop each child's self-confidence and habits of initiative, concentration, and persistence
- Nurture inner security and a sense of order
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