”” Free the child’s potential and you would transform him/her into the world “
– Dr Maria Montessori
Developed by Italian physician, Maria Montessori, this style of education is focused on the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical needs of children.
Montessori Early learning is self-paced learning that features hands-on activities and collaborative play, helping children make creative choices in their education.
Using classroom teachers as guides, Montessori early years learning features age-appropriate activities for children to work together in groups as well as individually, to explore their knowledge of the world and to develop their full potential.
Who Was Maria Montessori?
Italian physician Maria Montessori was a pioneer of theories in early childhood education, which are still implemented in Montessori schools all over the globe.
What Is Montessori Education?
Montessori is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. In Montessori classrooms children make creative choices in their learning, while the classroom and the teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process. Children work in groups and individually to discover and explore knowledge of the world and to develop their maximum potential.
Developed by Italian physician, Maria Montessori, this style of education is focused on the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical needs of children. Montessori Early learning is self-paced learning that features hands-on activities and collaborative play, helping children make creative choices in their education. Using classroom teachers as guides, Montessori early years learning features age-appropriate activities for children to work together in groups as well as individually, to explore their knowledge of the world and to develop their full potential.
The Benefits of Montessori Learning
When children are given the freedom to make their own decisions, they tend to grow up stronger, with more confidence and enthusiasm. Montessori early years learning provides the chance for children to question and probe as part of their education, which helps them learn to think critically from a young age. Collaborative play enhances the social aspect of learning while emotions are nurtured to enhance knowledge, understanding and respect. Rather than just filling children with facts, Montessori learning supports children in seeking knowledge for themselves.
“The Montessori method values each student as an individual and recognises that children all learn in different ways. By accommodating unique learning styles, children are free to learn at their own pace with an individual education plan. The classroom is designed as a close and caring community, often accommodating different student ages to create a family-style environment where older children can become mentors for younger children and the younger children can learn by example from the older ones. The benefits of Montessori learning stem from allowing children to enjoy freedom within limits. A Montessori education makes learning a fun and enjoyable activity for students, which helps turn the process of seeking knowledge into a lifelong practice.”
Practical Life
In Montessori education, Practical Life is where learning truly begins. Dr. Maria Montessori saw everyday activities as powerful tools for developing independence, coordination, and confidence.
By pouring, sweeping, buttoning, and preparing food, children aren’t just learning tasks — they’re building focus, fine motor skills, and a sense of responsibility. These purposeful, real-life experiences lay the foundation for all future learning.
Practical Life in Montessori isn’t about chores — it’s about nurturing capable, self-reliant individuals who take pride in doing things for themselves.
Sensorial
In Montessori education, the Sensorial area is designed to refine the five senses and build the foundation for all intellectual development. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children learn best by actively engaging with the world around them — seeing, touching, hearing, tasting, and smelling.
Sensorial materials isolate specific qualities — such as size, color, texture, weight, sound, or temperature — allowing children to compare, classify, and order what they experience. These hands-on activities help children make sense of their environment and prepare the mind for later concepts in math, science, and language.
Rather than memorizing facts, children develop their ability to observe, focus, and think critically through purposeful exploration. Sensorial work is where abstract thinking begins — through concrete, beautifully crafted materials.
Language
In Montessori education, language is not directly taught — it is absorbed naturally through a rich, prepared environment. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children are born with the ability to acquire language, especially during the Sensitive Period from birth to age 6.
Hands-on materials like sandpaper letters and the moveable alphabet connect sound, symbol, and meaning in a way that’s intuitive and engaging. Writing often comes before reading, allowing children to express themselves freely and confidently.
Language in Montessori is about more than words — it builds expression, comprehension, and independent thinking.
Mathematics
In Montessori education, math is introduced through hands-on, concrete materials that help children understand abstract concepts step by step. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that mathematical thinking begins with order, precision, and sensory exploration — not memorization.
Children work with materials like number rods, golden beads, and stamp games to build a deep, intuitive understanding of numbers, place value, operations, and patterns. They don’t just learn to count — they experience quantity, sequence, and logic in a physical, meaningful way.
Montessori mathematics nurtures problem-solving, critical thinking, and confidence — turning math from something to fear into something to love.
Cultural Studies
(Includes Geography, Science, Art, Music, Etc.)
In Montessori education, the Cultural Area introduces children to the world beyond themselves — through geography, science, history, art, music, and more. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that when children understand the interconnectedness of life, they grow into compassionate, curious, and responsible global citizens.
Using hands-on materials like globes, timelines, nature cards, instruments, and cultural artifacts, children explore the richness of the natural world and human culture. These activities ignite wonder, broaden perspectives, and help children find their place in the world.
Cultural learning in Montessori is about inspiring awe, encouraging discovery, and nurturing a lifelong respect for people, nature, and knowledge.
