Dr Maria Montessori

Dr Maria Montessori is an Italian born education pioneer. She was born in 1870, in Chiaravalle, Italy and was the first Italian woman ever to obtain a medical degree. She developed and refined her educational philosophy between 1896 to 1909. Her philosophy of nurturing each child’s natural desire for knowledge understanding and respect has stood the test of time.

In year 2020, on the 150th birth anniversary of Dr Maria Montessori, we are applying the same educational philosophy she pioneered over 100 years ago.

Montessori Education

The Montessori method is a child centric approach to learning. In Montessori methodology, a child is believed to be naturally eager for knowledge and is capable of learning, by discovery, in a supportive, age appropriate environment. Montessori education caters for development of children from 0 to 18 years of age. Dr Maria Montessori showed that education begins at birth and that the first six years of life are critical for setting the foundation for their future learning and development. These early years are critical for the formation of positive attitudes towards learning. Children and adolescents are self motivated to develop skills in all areas – cognitive, emotional, social and physical. The term “Montessori” has been diluted, in recent years, to include a variety of styles of instruction. However, the Association of Montessori Internationale cites the following elements as essential for imparting Dr Maria Montessori’s educational philosophy:

Montessori adults certified and trained for appropriate age levels guide the children. At Clamshell Mont, we work with adults certified by IMTC or AMI for imparting Montessori methodology. The adults guide the children rather than teach in the age appropriate environments.
Children work with materials that are specifically designed to help the child to develop intellectually, physically and socially, and are self-correcting.
Children of a mixed age group, with a well-balanced division of ages: 0 to 3 years (toddlers) and 3 to 6 years (primary) learn together.
Classes with appropriate number of children to ensure social development: 10-14 toddlers and 24-35 primary children.
Minimum uninterrupted work cycles of 2 hours per day for toddlers and 3 hours per day for primary children.