Montessori, << `mon` tuh SAWR ee, >> method is an educational system designed to aid children in the development of intelligence and independence. The system was developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian educator and physician, in the early 1900’s (see Montessori, Maria ). Thousands of schools throughout the world use the Montessori method.
Montessori educators establish special environments to meet the needs of students in three distinct age groups: infancy to 21/2 years, 21/2 to 61/2 years, and 61/2 through 12 years. The students learn through activities that involve exploration, manipulation, order, repetition, abstraction, and communication.
Children from infancy through the age of 6 develop mentally through their senses. Thus, Montessori educators encourage students in the first two age groups to use their senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste to explore and manipulate materials in their immediate environment. Children from 6 through 12 years of age can deal with abstract concepts based on their newly developed powers of reasoning, imagination, and creativity. Montessori educators assist these children by presenting special lessons and materials. After a presentation, instructors help the students explore the topic independently. In most cases, Montessori students carry out their exploration in groups. The groups are made up of classmates who are of different ages and who have chosen to work with one another. The groups then report their findings to the entire class, both orally and in writing.
The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) sets international standards for the education of Montessori teachers and teacher trainers and for Montessori schools. In the United States, the American Montessori Society (AMS) also trains teachers and certifies schools. However, many U.S. schools that use the name Montessori do not have AMS or AMI certification.
The AMS has headquarters in New York City. AMI headquarters are in Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
