Montessori isn’t so much a “what” as it is a “who” question. Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was Italy’s first female physician. She developed her method of education based on clinical observations on how children learn. She discovered the children’s effortless ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings, a tireless interest in manipulating materials, and an inborn desire to learn and do meaningful work. In 1907, she founded a school using child-centered methods and equipment based on her observations. Montessori’s work continues today in public and private schools throughout the world.
In the 3-to-6-year old classes there is a family-like atmosphere, with the older children serving as role-models for the younger children. In this multi-age setting, the children learn from each other and because of each other. The Montessori-trained teachers ensure that experiences occur naturally and joyfully at the proper moment for each child.
the delighted cry, “I did it myself”!
Dr. Montessori thought of childhood as “the sensitive period of the soul,” the time when the child is especially open to a deep and joyful relationship with God. At Salem Montessori School, we use the Children and Worship curriculum to nurture the spiritual development of each child. Using multi-sensory materials, Biblical stories are presented by the teacher, then offered to the children to explore on their own and relate to their personal experience.
To learn more about Montessori Schools, please click here.
BA Japanese language and literature/ teaching Japanese as a second language, Bunkyo University, Japan.