Montessori Method

” Our aim is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his innermost core. ” – Maria Montessori

Dr. Montessori observed that children are born with an innate curiosity and desire to learn. The Montessori method nurtures this natural instinct, rather than extinguishing it. The environment and activities within it facilitate independence by allowing children to pursue their interests. Children do not work to please an adult but because the work itself is satisfying. Montessori students are joyful, curious, lifelong learners.

“What is social life if not the solving of social problems, behaving properly and pursuing aims acceptable to all?” – Maria Montessori

Grace and Courtesy activities provide learning experiences for interacting with others in a respectful way. These lessons include learning to politely greet others, interrupt respectfully, open and close a door quietly, tuck in a chair – and so much more! These skills are fundamental to the formation of a classroom community, as well as successful encounters in the larger world.

 At Saint John Paul School, your child’s education is based on the following Montessori principles:

“To assist a child we must provide him with an environment which will enable him to develop freely.” – Maria Montessori
Montessori guides design classrooms to meet children’s physical, cognitive and social needs. Child-sized furniture and hands-on materials engage children in independent work. A beautiful, ordered work environment allows them to develop internal order and discipline. Open areas and group tables encourage collaboration and teamwork. In the prepared environment, children not only learn but thrive.

“The human hand allows the mind to reveal itself.” – Maria Montessori
Montessori materials feature hands-on materials that introduce concepts on a concrete level. These early hands-on experiences allow the child to make the leap to a deep and abstract understanding. Most materials include a control of error, allowing the child to check her own work without relying upon an adult.

“There is a great sense of community within the Montessori classroom, where children of differing ages work together in an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competitiveness. ” – Maria Montessori

A fundamental component of the Montessori philosophy is the multi-age classroom. In a mixed group, children of various ages and backgrounds share their talents and interests. Older children serve as role models and often give lessons to younger classmates. Children are exposed to a greater variety of content and are inspired by the work of others. Younger children are embraced by an established classroom community.

Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence.” – Maria Montessori
The Montessori curriculum is deep and broad. Rather than the child conforming to a set program, in which the entire class must complete the same work simultaneously, each child in the Montessori classroom receives the lessons for which he is ready and pursue his own interests. This flexibility allows children the time they need to fully absorb concepts and the ability to pursue work that is both exciting and challenging.

“The teacher must…possess scientific curiosity and absolute respect for the phenomenon which she wishes to observe.” – Maria Montessori

A Montessori guide must intimately understand each child’s interests, motivations, abilities, and insecurities. It is through observation of the child that a guide ensures that she meets the individual needs of the child. The guide will also observe the classroom community as a whole.