Chartwell Childcare
Who is Maria Montessori?
Maria Montessori was born in Chiaravalle, Italy, on August 31st, 1870. When she was five, she moved to Rome with her parents, Alessandro and Renilde. Maria’s mother was a highly educated woman, a social role that Maria also pursued. Starting at her state school, Maria started her journey where she “broke through the barriers which constrained women’s careers” (Montessori Australia, n.d.). Her journey did not always go smoothly; when she applied for medical school she was initially not accepted. She refused to give up and replied with the response, “I know I shall become a doctor” (Maria, 1896). By doing this, she parallels someone with a disability facing social constraints that make it more difficult to reach one’s potential, but choosing to overcome adversity. Her persistence paid off and she was accepted into medical school and became the first female doctor in Italy (Montessori Australia). Her medical practice focused on education and psychiatry, while always looking at things with a scientific method. She watched the way that certain things such a puzzles sparked interest in children with special needs and from this, she developed her own school program, the Montessori Method. This method is based on a child’s “natural desire to learn” (American Montessori Society, 2013), where they use their observations as a sort of a self-teaching tool. As her method took off quite successfully through Italy, Maria became a public spokesperson for women’s rights. Her final years were spent in Amsterdam and she passed on May 6th, 1952. She proves to continually be a role model to workers in the disability community as many of them hope to eliminate stereotypes as she did. Her method continued to be recognised, and there are now over 22,000 Montessori schools worldwide (American Montessori Society).
Why choose Montessori for your child?
Choosing Montessori education for your child can offer a range of benefits that set it apart from traditional educational approaches. Here are some compelling reasons why parents often choose Montessori for their children:
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Child-Centric Approach: Montessori education is centered around the individual child. The curriculum is tailored to each student's pace, learning style, and interests, fostering a love for learning by making education a personalized and engaging experience.
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Holistic Development: Montessori focuses on the holistic development of the child, addressing not only academic skills but also social, emotional, and practical life skills. This approach aims to prepare children for success in various aspects of life.
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Personalized Learning: The Montessori method recognizes that each child is unique. Teachers observe and adapt their approach to match the needs of individual students, promoting a deeper understanding of subjects and allowing children to progress at their own pace.
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Hands-On Learning: Montessori classrooms emphasize hands-on, experiential learning. Through the use of specially designed materials, children engage in activities that promote sensory exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
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Promotion of Independence: Montessori education encourages independence and self-discipline. Children are given the freedom to make choices within a structured environment, fostering a sense of responsibility and decision-making skills.
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Social Development: Multi-age classrooms in Montessori settings provide opportunities for peer collaboration and mentorship. This promotes a sense of community, social skills, and a supportive learning environment.
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Love for Learning: Montessori education aims to instill a natural love for learning. By allowing children to explore their interests and by presenting learning as an enjoyable and meaningful experience, Montessori sets the stage for a lifelong curiosity and enthusiasm for knowledge.
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Preparation for Real-World Challenges: Montessori education goes beyond academic preparation. It equips children with practical life skills, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of confidence that prepares them for the challenges of the real world.
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Positive Learning Environment: Montessori classrooms are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, orderly, and calm. This creates a positive and conducive atmosphere for learning, allowing children to focus and thrive.