The Montessori Method
Maria Montessori (1870 to 1952) was the first woman doctor to graduate from the University Hospital, Rome. The Montessori Method is a method of education that combines a philosophy with a practical approach, based on ideas of freedom for the child, within a structured and carefully-planned environment.
Dr Montessori suggested that all children are intrinsically motivated, and have an absorbent mind from birth to six years. This absorbent mind gives the child an amazing capacity for absorbing information, concepts and their environment.
Montessori's ideas developed as a result of observing and recording children's behaviour, and responses to apparatus and activities. It is a scientifically-based method that is structured and directed by the teacher in the classroom.
The Universal Characteristics of Childhood
- All children want to learn, to investigate and find out. They enjoy active learning where they are involved as much as possible.
- From birth to six years children have Absorbent Minds.
- The qualities of early experiences influence self-construction and personality development.
- Children pass through Sensitive Periods, which are periods of intense sensibility to a certain area of development or concept forming, for example, walking, writing and reading.
With these characteristics in mind, we encourage children to cultivate their own personality and individuality, as well as allowing natural development.
Our specialist approach and apparatus assist in the delivery of the highest quality education for the young child. We lay down foundations for future development and concentrate on every aspect of development, thus educating the whole child. Children learn to balance responsibility with freedom of choice. The emphasis is on self-discipline, self-esteem and co-operation.
Children foster a love for learning and develop at their own individual pace.
The Montessori Method
Hartley House Montessori aims to make the child's first experience of school happy and stimulating.
The Montessori Method provides education for life and each child is considered as an individual. Our aim is to encourage the child's natural development, as well as introducing social behaviour and good manners.
Our approach is child-centred, and the child is respected within the school's special environment. Children are encouraged to develop and broaden their educational experiences in a caring and gentle atmosphere. This enables the child's first steps in education to be enjoyable and inspiring.
The key components of the Montessori Method are the special qualities of the environment and the teacher.
The Montessori Curriculum is made up of core areas, which fit well with the Early Years Foundation Stage:
- Practical Life - personal, social and emotional development
- Sensorial
- Mathematics - problem solving, reasoning and numeracy
- Communication, language and literacy
- Cultural Subjects - knowledge and understanding of the world
- Creative Development
- Physical Development
These areas are supplemented with activities such as dance, music, French, mini gym, cookery and art and craft.
Tel: 01962 855412 Email: info@hartley-house.co.uk