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Gatehouse Montessori, London 1948
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Italy's first female doctor, who developed her
philosophy based on observation of children. Montessori
believed a child develops and learns through life's
experiences motivated from within by a natural
curiosity and a love of learning and quest for
knowledge.
She wanted her children to learn by freedom
of choice, but in a structural physical environment.
By helping him/herself to perfect all his/her
natural tools for learning his/her ability will
be at a maximum for all future learning experiences.
An observation of Dr Montessori's which has been reinforced by modern research, is the importance of Sensitive Periods for early learning. These are periods of intense fascination for learning, a particular characteristic or skill, such as going up and down steps, putting things in order, counting and reading. It is easier for the child to learn a particular skill during the corresponding sensitive period than at any other time in his/her life. The Montessori classroom takes advantage of this fact by allowing the child freedom to select individual activities which correspond to his/her own periods of interest.
Montessori Education is a holistic philosophy,
concerned with the development of each child
to his/her full potential by the education of
oneself. The Prepared Environment in a Montessori
classroom fulfills these needs of the child to
develop physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.
The child in a Montessori classroom can learn
from the environment by working at his/her own
pace logically and sequentially with each/any
of the equipment and materials. Because of the
self correcting nature of much of the equipment,
a child is able to work individually as he/she
requires. Repetition of successful use of materials
ensures the development of the child's concentration,
self discipline, independence and self esteem.
The classroom is divided into six areas and
the children are free to work at their own level/leisure
in any area ie. Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics,
Language, Cultural Subjects and Art and Craft.
The school programme also includes Drama, Music
and Movement and many outings to coincide with
subjects being studied. A free indoor/outdoor
flow ensures both fine and gross motor skills
development are provided for in the free selection
of the children within the structural environment.