Why Montessori?

The History of Montessori Education

Maria Montessori

See the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world…
Maria Montessori

Italian born Maria Montessori (1870-1952) began studying children as a medical doctor. Through scientific observation, Dr. Montessori learned that children develop cognitive skills in a nurturing environment filled with materials that stimulate their interest. She developed the Montessori Method based upon essential observable tenets:

Children’s minds absorb information at an unprecedented rate from the age of birth to six years.

Children love to interact with people and objects in their environment and enjoy pursuing purposeful independent activity.

Children cultivate respect for children and adults when treated respectfully by others.

Children respond well to a cooperative and nurturing environment.

What Makes Montessori Unique?

Montessori schools begin with a deep respect for children as unique individuals, and work from a deep concern for children’s social and emotional development. A core concept of Montessori education is to encourage children to become independent thinkers.

Montessori students learn to collaborate and work together in learning and on major projects. They strive for their personal best rather than compete against one another for the highest grade in their class.

The Montessori curriculum is carefully structured and integrated to demonstrate the connections among the different subject areas. Every class teaches critical thinking, composition and research. History lessons link architecture, the arts, science and technology.

Montessori education is consciously designed to recognize and address different learning styles, helping students learn to study most effectively.

In Montessori schools, learning is not focused on rote drill and memorization. The goal is to develop students who really understand their schoolwork.

Montessori schools normally reflect a highly diverse student body and their curriculum promotes mutual respect and a global perspective.

Montessori students learn through hands-on experience, investigation, and research. They become actively engaged in their studies rather than passively waiting to be spoon fed.

Montessori instills within students a love for the natural world. Natural science and outdoor education is an important element of our children’s experience.

Students in Montessori schools are not afraid of making mistakes; they see them as natural steps in the learning process.

Montessori schools are warm and supportive communities of students, teachers, and parents. Children don’t get lost in the crowd.

In Montessori schools, we not only teach; we facilitate learning, coach our students along, and come to know them as friends and mentors.

Montessori classrooms are bright and exciting environments for learning.

In Montessori schools, students learn to care about others through community service.

Montessori education consciously teaches children to be kind and peaceful.

Compare

Traditional vs Montessori Education

^$Traditional
- Pre-designed lessons in designated time block
- Persistent teacher intervention to meet learning objectives in a predetermined time
- Competition with peers to complete tasks quickly
- Emphasis on standardized learning objectives
- Routinized learning goals for efficiency
- Learning as fragmented pieces that exist for some purpose that the teacher understands
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The Benefits
^$Montessori
- Individually-paced lessons that challenge children's critical thinking skills
- Teacher guidance to facilitate activities in a timeframe most suitable to the needs of each child
- Cooperation and respect for each child's autonomy
- Emphasis on learning that is individually suited to each child's level of development
- Individualized teaching for effectiveness
- Learning that connects to children's lives, allowing children to engage in higher brain functions, such as inductive and deductive logic and synthesis of ideas
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Would you like to know more about our programs?

Penn-Mont offers programs for children 6 weeks to 12 years old.

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