The Montessori Difference

Montessori preschools differ from mainstream education through their unique curriculum, materials, educator roles, and the prepared environment.
Instead of focusing solely on academic skills, Montessori environments develop the whole child socially, emotionally and spiritually.
Learning is self-paced, hands-on, and tailored to each child's needs and interests. The aim is to equip children with the confidence, independence, and skills needed to become lifelong learners.

Montessori Principles

The Montessori method is based on the below key principles that guide its educational philosophy in the three-to-six environment. These principles collectively shape the Montessori approach to education, fostering independence, self-discipline, and a deep love for learning.

1. Respect for the child

Montessori education is founded on a deep respect for each child's individuality. Children are given the freedom to make choices, learn from their mistakes, and take responsibility for their own learning. Educators support this by encouraging independence and allowing children to work at their own pace, always engaging with them from a place of respect.

2. The absorbent mind

Dr Maria Montessori found that young children have a remarkable ability to learn from their surroundings, especially in the first six years of life. She called this stage the ‘absorbent mind,’ emphasising how children effortlessly take in information through observation, imitation, and direct experience. This period is critical for their development, as it shapes their understanding of culture, their world, and forms the basis of their intelligence and personality.

3. Sensitive periods

Dr Montessori identified that children experience ‘sensitive periods’ in their development, during which they are especially receptive to learning skills and knowledge, such as language, order, and sensory development. During these times, children show intense focus, a strong desire for repetition, and long periods of concentration. Montessori educators observe and support children through these critical windows of learning opportunity.

4. Prepared environment

The Montessori classroom is carefully designed to meet the developmental needs of children. This is a carefully prepared learning space where everything has a purpose and a place. It is structured to encourage independence, freedom within limits, and a sense of order, with materials that promote exploration and learning.

5. Auto-education (self-education)

Dr Montessori believed that children can educate themselves when provided with the right environment and materials. Teachers act as guides rather than instructors, allowing children to learn at their own pace. Montessori materials are designed to support this self-directed learning, with educators offering a prepared environment, guidance, and encouragement for children to direct their own education.

6. Freedom within limits

Dr Montessori believed children can teach themselves with the right environment and materials. Teachers guide rather than instruct, letting children learn at their own pace. Montessori materials support this self-directed learning, with educators providing the necessary environment, guidance, and encouragement.

7. Intrinsic motivation

Montessori education focuses on self-motivation by encouraging children to explore their interests, cultivating a love of learning driven by curiosity rather than external rewards. In a Montessori classroom, there are no rewards; instead, children find satisfaction in mastering activities and learning independently.

8. Learning through discovery

Montessori materials are designed to allow children to learn concepts through hands-on discovery. Mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, and children are encouraged to self-correct and find solutions independently.

9. Individualised learning

In Montessori education, each child is recognised as a unique learner, with a focus on addressing their individual needs. Children progress at their own pace, without pressure from standardised timelines or comparisons. Learning programs are tailored to each child's development stage, interests, and needs, with one-on-one lessons using Montessori materials. Educators monitor progress and provide support as children move through the curriculum.

10. Education for the whole child

Montessori education aims to nurture all aspects of a child's development—intellectual, emotional, social, and physical. The goal is to support children in becoming well-rounded, independent, and capable individuals who contribute to society.

11. Movement

Movement defines the Montessori difference. Through movement children are free to choose activities that interest them and free to build social connection. Movement and sensory input through use of the whole body shapes children’s emerging minds and helps them gain control of their bodies.