..::the learning place::..

WHAT IS MONTESSORI?

Montessori is an approach to education with the fundamental belief that a child learns best through practical activities within a social environment which supports and respects each individual’s unique development.

HOW IT BEGAN

The Montessori philosophy was created by Dr Maria Montessori, the first woman physician to graduate from the University of Rome. Dr Montessori became involved with education as a doctor, treating children labeled as mentally handicapped. In 1907 she opened a child care center called ‘The Children’s House’ and based the program on her observations that young children learn best in a home - like setting, filled with developmentally appropriate materials.

WHAT MAKES MONTESSORI EDUCATION UNIQUE?

1. The whole child approach: The primary goal of the Montessori program is to help each child reach his/her full potential in all areas of life. Activities promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, physical coordination and cognitive preparation.

2. The prepared environment: The environment must be supportive of the learner. The teacher provides necessary resources including opportunities for children to function in a safe and positive climate.

3. The Montessori materials: Our multi-sensory, sequential and self-correcting materials facilitate the learning of skills and lead to learning of abstract ideas.

4. The Teacher: Originally called a ‘Directress’, the Montessori teacher functions as the designer of the environment, resource person, role model, demonstrator, record keeper and meticulous observer of each child’s behaviour and growth.

HOW IT WORKS

Each Montessori classroom operates on the principle of freedom within limits. Children are free to work at their own pace with materials they have chosen either alone or with others. The teacher relies on her observations of the children to determine which new activities and materials may by introduced to an individual child or to a small group.

The aim is to encourage active, self-directed learning.

"A child's liberty should have as its limit, the interests of the group to which he belongs. Its form should consist in what we call good breeding and behaviour. We should therefore prevent a child from doing anything which may offend or hurt others or which is impolite or unbecoming."
Maria Montessori
"Discovery of the child"

What happens when a child leaves a Montessori environment?

Montessori children are unusually adaptable. They work independently and in groups and make decisions from an early age. They are problem solvers who can make choices and manage their time well. They are good communicators with positive self-esteem and develop into self-confident, contributing adults.

The multi year span in each class provides a family like grouping where learning can take place naturally. The older children develop a sense of responsibility while reinforcing their own learning. The younger children look up to the older children and learn from them.

THE LEARNING PLACE : Plot 8 Rasheed Alaba Williams, Lekki Pennisula Phase 1. Lagos