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Montessori (pronounced MON-tuh-SORE-ee) 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. Under the guidance of a trained
teacher, children in a Montessori classroom learn by making discoveries with the
materials, cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.
Today, Montessori
schools are found worldwide, serving children from birth through adolescence. In the
United States, there are more than 4,000 private Montessori schools and more than 200
public schools with Montessori-styled programs. The Association
Montessori Internationale (AMI), founded by Maria Montessori in 1929, maintains
Montessori educational principles and disseminates Montessori education throughout the
world.
For more
information, see Common Misconceptions about
Montessori Education and Montessori: Creating a
Paradigm Shift in Education.
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Content
courtesy of the North
American Montessori Teachers' Association.
© NAMTA. All Rights Reserved
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