MARIA MONTESSORI 

Dr. Maria Montessori, born in 1879, was the first female to graduate in medicine in Italy. Her special interest became the needs of children and she drew upon many sources to develop an innovative approach to child education. One feature was the use of special materials, designed to motivate and stimulate children, thereby helping them to develop into well-rounded human beings.

From 1906 onwards she was able to apply her system in practice, initially for teaching deprived children. The success of her methods brought her international recognition and she spent the next 40 years traveling throughout Europe, Asia and North America lecturing, writing and establishing training programmes. She died in 1952, leaving a legacy which is known throughout the world as the 'Montessori Method'.

THE PRINCIPLES

Children have absorbent minds
Children desire independence
Children have sensitive times
Children develop in stages
Children are eager to learn
Children should be taught through all their senses
Children should be given the opportunity to develop their full potential
Children should be allowed to learn independently
Children should be given freedom and choices within a structured environment


THEIR APPLICATION AT CHILDREN'S CORNER

The role of the staff
Staff members respect children as individuals, encourage their independence, help develop concentration skills, understand and select the correct equipment for use at the appropriate stage in all areas of development.

The prepared environment
Children are given boundaries within a structured environment which encourages the freedom to work and provides an opportunity to learn through exploration and practical use of materials and equipment.

Child development
Staff members have an awareness of the children's individual physical, intellectual, social, emotional and language development and create the best environment to enable development of their natural potential.

Health and hygiene
The nursery provides a home environment which encourages independence, personal hygiene, physical exercise and practical life experiences. Nutritional and dietary requirements are carefully observed.

Language
Language development is encouraged through storytelling, pre-reading exercises, social interaction and communication in group work.

Mathematics
An introduction to mathematics is given through number work by using appropriate equipment, sorting, adding and subtracting, shapes, sizes, cookery and pre-school science work.

Practical life
The nursery encourages involvement in everyday tasks, takes the children on outings and promotes independence and confidence building. Practical skills are taught by effective use of appropriate equipment.

Early years environment
Children's areas of learning experience include: physical, moral, spiritual, scientific, technological, mathematical, personal, human, social, linguistic, literacy, aesthetic and creative matters.