What is Montessori?

A. Montessori (pronounced MON-tuh-SORE-ee) education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She based her educational methods on scientific observation of children's learning processes. Guided by her discovery that children teach themselves, Dr. Montessori designed a "prepared environment" in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities. Now, nearly a century after Maria Montessori's first casa dei bambini ("children's house") in Rome, Montessori education is found all over the world, spanning ages from birth to adolescence.

What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education? 
A. Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. 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 a love of learning. Montessori classes place children in three-year age groups (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and so on), forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education.

Further Reading
David Kahn (NAMTA) "A Parent's Introduction to Montessori Pre-school"
Terry Malloy "Montessori and Your Child - A Primer for Parents"
Maria Montessori "The Absorbent Mind"
Canberra Montessori Society "Peace - A Montessori Approach"
Paula Polk Lillard "Montessori, A Modern Approach"
North American Montessori Teacher's Association publication "A Parent's Guide to Montessori Elementary"

 Montessori links