The Montessori Method is a child-centered approach to education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, over 100 years ago.

The five core components of Montessori education include:

• Trained Montessori Teachers
• Multi-Age Classrooms– facilitate leadership development among older students and allow younger students to experience new challenges through observation.
• Montessori Materials – specifically designed materials that provide a hands-on approach to learning.
• Child-Directed Work – students self-select work, leading to intrinsic motivation and sustained attention.
• Uninterrupted Work Periods – students work at their own pace during the work cycle and have freedom of choice and movement.

The Montessori Method provides a foundation that helps young learners grow into adults who are self-motivated and love learning, think flexibly and creatively, are conscious of the needs of others, and actively foster harmony as they go through life. The Montessori environment offers intentional lessons in social grace and courtesy—modeling appropriate, respectful manners that are demonstrated by teachers and practiced in small groups.

Adapted from "Montessori Resources for Schools, Teachers, Families and Parents: American Montessori Society." American Montessori Society, https://amshq.org/.