Who was Montessori?

Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870. in 1896 she became the first woman graduate from the University of Rome Medical School and in 1907 founded the Montessori method ? an approach to education based on her intuitive observations of the way a child learns. Her nursery was called 'casa dei bambini' -the children's house.

What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education?

Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education, allowing the child to develop in a natural way. Firstly, there is an appreciation of the innate potential of the child and his/her ability to develop in environmental conditions of freedom and love. The prepared environment is calm, peaceful and appropriate to the child's needs. A major principle of Montessori is that a young child learns through sensory motor activity; by doing. The method also emphasis learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching or reading. Child sized sensorial equipment together with languages, mathematics and science material practical life exercises and cultural and environmental activities are offered. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own individual pace, and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline and love of learning. The result of the Montessori method is that each child is given the best possible conditions to promote physical, social, emotional and intellectual development, wherein the aim is to help the child fulfil their potential.

What ages does Montessori serve?

Lincolnshire Montessori offers nursery and school from birth to twelve. There are also Montessori adolescent schools nationally.

How will my child benefit if they stay in a Montessori school after the age of four or five?

The benefits can be summed up as:

• Education based on making the most of your child’s individual capabilities;
• The ability to embrace challenges with curiosity and enthusiasm;
• Your child will develop the capacity to manage their learning by formulating their own weekly work plan and complete this, following their unique pattern and rhythm of work;
• A curriculum which fully meets the requirements of the National Curriculum and which goes well beyond this in many subjects;
• Opportunities to apply and develop mathematical and literacy skills in the context of projects which you child selects and researches in science, culture (history and geography), the arts, information technology and other areas;
• An education which maximises the use of the classroom environment as well as drawing on outings and learning in the community;
• Continuity and development of learning experiences and approaches, following on from the nursery classes;
• No need to get used to different routines, different adults and different environments;
• Being part of a small team of children working together and sharing ideas;
• No attempt to work to an externally determined curriculum which is not based on your child’s needs;
• No testing. Continuous observations to evaluate your child’s progress, seeking further challenges to encourage new skills and knowledge;
• The knowledge that children educated in Montessori schools achieve at least as well and often better than children in other schools by the ages of 7 and 11, not only academically, but also socially.

What is the role of the teacher?

It is the teacher's role to maintain the order created, to maintain beauty and ensure there is respect for all members of the community. Caring and kindness to each other is of paramount importance. The teacher protects the child's concentration and does not permit interruptions. S/he encourages the child by putting them in touch with the environment, showing them how to do things and then allowing motivation, flexibility and creativity. A social environment is created which is democratic, supportive and encourages co-operation.

Who oversees Montessori nurseries an schools?

Genuine Montessori nurseries are accredited by Montessori Education (UK) Ltd Lincolnshire Montessori is an accredited centre.

What Montessori training opportunities are there?

All staff are involved in ongoing, in-house training. This will include the climbing frame of qualifications from Introduction through to Diploma. Opportunities for parents/carers to develop their knowledge and support their children through the Montessori philosophy will be encouraged through a programme of training available.