Montessori Philosophy
The Taunus International Montessori School – Frankfurt Area, following the philosophy and methods developed by Dr. Montessori, provides an opportunity for children in this most important period to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing, culturally-diverse environment.
Dr. Maria Montessori, a pioneer in modern education, believed that the “most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to age six.”
Her theories about how young children grow and learn, focusing on the “absorbent mind” and natural curiosity of young children, have been confirmed by current research in early childhood education.
The Montessori method is a philosophy conceived by Dr. Maria Montessori. The method has a child-centered approach. It is because of the individual dignity of the child that we nurture each one’s uniqueness. Development of the total personality and of the child’s personal wholeness forms the foundation for an autonomous, principled, ethically responsible integrated person capable of both individuality and deep involvement.
The child taught by the Montessori method learns self-discipline through the activities and equipment in the classroom, which helps him to practice self-control.
- The child is taught to have respect for his fellow students, the environment and the equipment.
- He does not disturb another person who is working. He waits his turn for consultation with the teacher about the use of equipment another child is using.
- He is not allowed to misuse equipment and is shown the precise manner in which each piece of equipment is to be used in order to carry out any given exercise.
- He learns to have order in his life. He learns that there is a place for everything and everything has a place. Since these concepts are introduced at an age when a child has strong sensitivity for order, they are not difficult for him to accept. By the time this sensitivity has lessened, the habit is well established.
Any task begun is finished. Since he has chosen his own task there is no frustration involved. Therefore this self-discipline is acquired in an atmosphere of freedom and results in a child who is truly self-controlled. Freedom in a Montessori classroom is the freedom to learn and concentrate. Freedom does not mean license, but allows the child to choose his own task and complete it at his own rate. Freedom allows the child to experience order and discipline; these qualities become a part of his formation.
The method is aimed at building the child’s self confidence. The equipment is so graded that a child seldom is confronted with a task too difficult or frustrating for him. The teacher provides the environment, directs the activity and offers the child stimulation. But it is the child who learns, who is motivated through the work itself to persist in a given task. There is a definite sequence to all the activities in the room and the teacher will draw the child’s attention to those materials he is ready for. For example, the Montessori Practical Life exercises have four functions:
- Care of the person,
- Care of the environment,
- Grace and Courtesy—social relationship,
- Analysis and Control of Movement.
Our teachers are trained very thoroughly to use the apparatus precisely and to the best advantage.
The Montessori method is not in conflict with any other system of teaching. This method aims to prepare the child to work independently which will help him overcome problems which he may encounter in future classroom situations. Montessori trained children adapt well to new situations presented by other methods of teaching.
The Montessori method helps each child to develop to his fullest capacity according to his abilities, talents and uniqueness.
The Montessori method is designed to “help me to help myself.”
