Philosophy

The Montessori Philosophy

Maria Montessori, the first woman medical doctor in Italy, was one of the great pioneers in the study of child development. Upon graduation from Rome Medical School in 1896, she worked with mentally deficient children, many of whom were then able to pass the standard educational exams of the time. Dr. Montessori applied rigorous scientific study to her observations, and in 1908 began her innovative approach with a group of children in the slum area of San Lorenzo in Rome. Within a year, her accomplishments with these children earned world wide acclaim and became a landmark in the education of young children. She trained a generation of teachers and wrote 25 books on her theory and practice, and today Montessori schools flourish all over the world.

Montessori education is based on beliefs about human development and human relationships and incorporates practices to facilitate teaching and learning. Respect is fundamental -- respect for each person, for the environment, and for life. Respect leads to trust, which is essential for learning and growth. Learning and teaching are inseparable, as are self, family, and the world community.

In the Montessori approach, children are given ample time and opportunities to explore and work at their own pace and in their own learning style. Classroom activities are designed to encourage involvement, autonomy and risk-taking. As children make choices and get involved with their work, they acquire a positive attitude toward learning that sets the foundation for all schooling and for life.

The Mission of University Montessori School

University Montessori School is a diverse family-centered school community which embodies the best practices of Montessori education in facilitating the academic, emotional, physical and social development of each child. In an atmosphere of respect and warmth, parents, teachers and children collaborate to nurture an enduring love of learning and a view of the responsibilities and possibilities of life. We are a welcoming community in which children and adults find friendship and support, a place where all are encouraged to broaden their understandings of themselves, others and the world.

The Program at University Montessori School

Our classroom practices include mixed-age groups, a focus on global education, valuing teacher observations, and careful design of the environment and materials. These practices empower all participants as teachers and learners. Children are initiating, doing, talking, and sharing in a space that is theirs, with the guidance of their teachers. Mixed-age groupings enable children to learn from one another, gain autonomy and develop self-esteem. Having a diverse ethnic mix prepares children to accept, respect and understand themselves and others in our diverse society.

Classroom activities are carefully designed to focus on the development of specific skills and concepts. We expose the children to a wide range of intellectual, social and physical activities, and give them long blocks of uninterrupted time. They learn to ask questions and to seek explanations, to focus their attention on an interest, to work independently or with classmates, to solve problems and to discover the joy of learning. In this way the children take responsibility for their own learning.

The curriculum is rich in opportunities. The Practical Life materials enable children to learn how to care for themselves and their environment. The Sensorial materials develop children's perceptual and sensory abilities and refine their observation skills. Language materials and activities encompass speaking, listening, reading and writing. The Math curriculum is concrete and develops a solid concept of numeracy. Open-ended material such as sand, water, blocks and art media encourage exploration and self-expression. Other curricula areas are science, music, cultural geography, and physical education. Throughout the year materials are revised and expanded in response to the children's changing needs and interests.

The Teacher's Role

Montessori teachers recognize the importance of each child's early experiences in the formation of an emotionally healthy, responsible adult. We see our role as nurturing the tremendous potential of each individual, and supporting the child in the task of inner development. To do this, Montessori teachers must be exceptionally well prepared -- to have a clear understanding of child development and the learning process, to have excellent communication skills, to be able to observe and individualize the curriculum, to design the classroom's physical environment, to support parents in our collaboration around the education of their children. At University Montessori School, our teachers are committed to these objectives.