Montessori education is, put simply, the scientific approach to education.

 

Maria Montessori named it this, however it was quickly changed to the shorter and more memorable title of Montessori Education.

 

Maria Montessori was a doctor, anthropologist, rights activist and innovator. Through careful observation and research she developed an educational approach that respected each individual child, while maximizing developmentally appropriate learning opportunities. Above all, she valued the development of a child's ability to concentrate. Many of her works put priority on providing meaningful choice for a child.  She recognized that if a child was able to independently choose an activity, they would be more likely to learn from, enjoy, and concentrate on the it. 

 

There is a common misconception that Montessori allows children total and unlimited freedom (probably stemming from the emphasis on choice). This is far from true. Classroom and home environment can only function when the freedom is framed within limits. 

 

The approach hinges on informed educators and parents, who, through intentional observation, are able to provide appropriate and meaningful opportunities for a child at each stage in their development. This can take the simple form of placing a step stool by the kitchen sink so the child can wash their hands or clean their dishes. It can also be taking the child into a shop and modelling how to interact courteously with community members.

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Cosmic Child summaries this into a thought experiment that parents, and teachers alike, can apply when preparing a activity for a child, organizing an environment (classroom, bedroom, etc) or simply interacting with a child. This is all with the purpose of maximizing the child's independence. 

 

"Remove obstacles, provide opportunities, and set the child up for success"