Montessori Approach Montessori is a personalized teaching approach that recognizes that children learn with a unique style and pace. This means that the children's daily activities are based on their own needs, strengths, and developmental stages. The structure in a Montessori classroom allows freedom of movement and free choice of activities. This encourages the development of independence, initiative and decision making. Children interact socially throughout the school day, which fosters the development of positive social skills.
Older children serve as models, which can decrease negative or maladaptive behavior.
The Montessori learning environment changes and grows with the developmental needs of children. The learning materials offer concrete, multi-sensorial experiences that actively engage children, correcting, giving immediate feedback, and increasing their opportunities for self directed work. The materials contain many aims, or goals, and can often be explored at different levels. The classroom director assesses children's developmental progress, learning styles and interests through observation. Key Concepts and Practices Teachers educated in the Montessori philosophy and methodology appropriate to the age level they are teaching, who have the ability and dedication to put the key concepts into practice.