The Montessori Method of Education was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first female physician to graduate from the University of Rome.
Dr. Montessori observed through her medical practice that children’s learning is built from what they observe in their environment. To enhance her understanding, Dr. Montessori returned to university to study psychology and philosophy. Although Dr. Montessori became a professor of anthropology in 1906 at the University of Rome, she soon gave this up in order to fulfill her desire to help children. In the San Lorenzo district of Rome, Maria Montessori founded the first Casa dei Bambini, or ‘Children’s House.” This is where the Montessori method of education was developed.
Dr. Montessori’s scientific observations of children’s ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings, as well as their tireless interest in manipulating materials, led her to develop this educational philosophy. It is based on the fundamental principle that children learn best in a nurturing environment that facilitates and encourages their individual development and contributes to their growth as self-motivated, independent and life-long learners.
Montessori is also a holistic approach to learning and education, with the primary goal of helping children to develop their potential to the fullest extent not only in the cognitive area, but also physically, emotionally and socially. The equipment, tools and exercises developed by Dr. Montessori are based on what she observed them doing naturally.
Montessori provides children with “Freedom in Education within a prepared environment”, and respects the fact that children as individuals are different from one another. This is the foundation of Rowntree Montessori Schools, child centred and individualized teaching – learning programmes. It aims for the fullest possible development of the whole child as a life long learner.
After all, we are “Nurturing Tomorrow’s Achievers.”
For more on Rowntree Montessori Schools unique approach, click here.
