Montessori Education Method

About the Method

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Montessori Education is based on a lifetime of observation and study on the part of Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman doctor in Italy (born 1870, died 1952), who became an eminent educationist.

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Dr. Montessori revealed the true nature of how children develop and learn, and sought to meet their needs by providing appropriate activities, opportunities and environments.

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She defined Four Stages of Development which roughly correspond to the current school system.

• 0-6 years Early Childhood

• 6-12 years Primary

• 12-18 years Secondary

• 18-24 years Tertiary

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Each stage has particular characteristics and needs, and the environment, activities and programmes vary accordingly.

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The children are given freedom to choose from a wide range of specially designed activities which help them to acquire concepts, knowledge and skills.

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The children develop competence, self esteem, self discipline, and caring, and show a deep interest and enjoyment in learning, socially, mentally and spiritually.

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Worldwide the Montessori Method has been operating since early this century, in families and private and state schools.

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In New Zealand there have been Montessori Schools since before 1920, with a considerable upsurge of interest since the 1970's. There are now over 100 schools throughout New Zealand involving about 3,000 children.

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It is a well tried and proven method applicable to children of all cultures, nationalities and social and economic groups, and can lay the foundation for a happy, fruitful and stable society.