More than just a schooling choice, Montessori education endeavors to be an aid to life from birth throughout human development.
Montessori education is not a narrow teaching method, but a broad philosophy of life that holds each child as a potential new beginning for humanity and the creator of the adult they will become.
Every child possesses an inner force that drives them to grow and learn. We can observe this drive in their spontaneous activity choices and curiosity. This natural curiosity makes learning an imperative - as much a fundamental need to the child as food, shelter, and love. Our role as adults is to observe the child's natural interests and activities, then provide an environment where they can develop and learn.
Dr. Maria Montessori believed that self-motivation is the only valid impulse for learning. Within the carefully structured order of the Montessori classroom, the child is free to choose their own projects throughout the day. Following their inner direction, children discover their unique pattern of learning and find satisfaction in work.
What is Montessori Education?
Our purpose at Yucca Blossom Montessori is to nurture a relationship between the child and their world that fosters stewardship, respect, and discovery through interaction.
“Education should not limit itself to seeking new methods for a mostly arid transmission of knowledge: its aim must be to give the necessary aid to human development.... for man is a unity, an individuality that passes through interdependent phases of development.”
Dr. Maria Montessori
The Montessori Classroom
In a Montessori classroom, often referred to as a "prepared environment," the child takes an active part in their self-development while receiving guidance from a Montessori-trained adult. The classrooms are characterized by a focus on hands-on learning, an emphasis on autonomy and independence, and a wide range of materials and activities of compelling interest to the young child.
The children are guided and empowered to work out their social connections and conflicts together. As the child practices understanding, compassion, and respect, they cultivate their self-discipline.
“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.”
Dr. Maria Montessori
What makes Montessori Education unique?
1
Its application is universal.
Montessori is the single largest pedagogy in the world. In the United States, there are approximately 450 public Montessori schools, many of which admit students by lottery, and around 4,000 private Montessori schools.
2
Based on a foundation of observations of the authentic nature of the child, it reveals the child as a lover of work - both of the intellect and the mastery of the body.
This work is spontaneously chosen and carried out with profound joy.
3
It offers the child the greatest possible choice of physical and mental activity, and each child works at their own pace.
The child can work individually, work in groups, and help other children with work they have already mastered.
4
It allows the child to grow in independence by respecting their needs.
The liberty children experience in a Montessori environment is not a permissive license but rather invites and forms genuine self-discipline.
Register for our next Prospective Parent Information Session here
Register for our next Prospective Parent Information Session here
The contrast between a Montessori program for young children and a traditional daycare setting is pronounced.
We invite you to learn more by registering for our next Information Session below.