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The Montessori Philosophy

01. Prepared Environment

The prepared environment is Maria Montessori's term to describe the external appearance of the classroom. The Montessori classroom is carefully organized. Materials are logically grouped according to curriculum area: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Cultural Studies. Furniture and other materials are appropriate for the child's size.

02. The Montessori Didactic Materials

Montessori materials are unique, unlike materials found in conventional schools, daycare centers and /or children's toy stores. All Montessori materials were designed and made by Dr. Maria Montessori after observing the child, in other words, these materials are devices that have been scientifically designed.

03. Independence

Independence is the achievement of the child. A crucial and extremely valuable aspect of Montessori Philosophy. The child yearns for independence, this is not given, it is an internal process, built over time. The child's independence is predicated on specific skills. Dr. Montessori devoted an entire area of the curriculum to a focus on developing the child's independence.

04. Freedom of Choice

Children are free to choose where to sit, where to work, (term used to describe purposeful activity; there is no homework or toys, all material is a purposeful activity), they can have a snack if they are hungry, and prolong an activity for as long as necessary. Freedom of choice brings with it responsibilities, what Montessori called “freedom with limits”.

05. Movement

In addition to freedom of choice, there is freedom of movement. In fact, every movement in the Montessori classroom is movement with purpose. Dr. Montessori noted that movement and cognition are closely intertwined; Movement influences thinking and learning.