The Montesorri Method

Italian educator and physician Maria Montessori developed the Montessori method in the early 1900s while observing children who had been labeled retarded. She discovered that they thrived in a homelike setting filled with activities that encouraged self-motivation and independent learning.

Under her guidance, the children passed reading and writing examinations designed for children who were not learning disabled. Students from Rome's poorest slums also made impressive gains when exposed to her method. Montessori's techniques spread to schools throughout Europe and reached the United States in 1912.

The American Montessori Society estimates there are at least 4,000 certified Montessori schools in the United States and about 7,000 worldwide. Most are for prekindergarten through elementary students, but middle and high school Montessori programs also exist. Traditionally found in private schools, where tuition averages $7,000 per year, public Montessori education is becoming increasingly popular.

Several features distinguish the Montessori method:

The "whole child" approach. Children are encouraged to grow socially and emotionally as well as intellectually.

A "prepared environment." Children choose among hands-on activities and are free to work at their own pace, alone or with others.

Montessori materials. Multisensory materials such as colored beads engage children's attention and help them learn abstract lessons such as multiplication.

Teachers as facilitators. Educators rely on their observations of the children to determine which activities and materials to introduce to an individual child or to a small or large group.

A family-like grouping. Children are grouped by age rather than grade. The three-year age span in each class encourages older children to help younger children and gives slower learners additional opportunities to grasp material.

Proponents of the method claim that because children educated in a Montessori school are encouraged to make their own decisions, they are problem-solvers who remain flexible and manage their time well. Freely exchanging their ideas and discussing their work with others helps them learn effective communication skills. Most important, proponents say, Montessori's self-directed, noncompetitive activities help children develop self-esteem.

For more information about the Montessori method, visit the American Montessori Web site, www.amshq.org, or the Association Montessori Internationale Web site, www.montessori-ami.org.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright