The young child is eager to accomplish and do things for himself.  In
a prepared environment the child will choose materials that naturally
enhance inner needs for growth.  The child's developmental needs
are met by the spontaneous choice of activities with the guidance of
a trained person.  The Montessori teacher is a link between the child
and the classroom environment.

The Montessori materials contain a "control of error" which allows
the child to detect mistakes and correct himself, giving a sense of
achievement and self-esteem throughout every day.  This play is the
work of creating the person each child will become.

" Children are human beings in whom respect is due, superior to us
by reason of their "innocence" and of the greater possibilities of
their future... Let us treat them... with all the kindness in which we
wish to develop in them."

"Scientific observation has established that education is not what the
teacher gives; education is a natural process spontaneously carried
out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to
words but by experiences upon the environment. The task of the
teacher becomes that of preparing a series of motives of cultural
activity, spread over a specially prepared environment, and then
refraining from obtrusive interference. Human teachers can only
help the great work that is being done, as servants help the master.
Doing so, they will be witnesses to the unfolding of the human soul
and to the rising of a New Man who will not be a victim of events, but
will have the clarity of vision to direct and shape the future of human
society."
Maria Montessori 1870 - 1952

For other related information visit our links page.
Montessori School
at
Lone Tree
Maria Montessori 1870 - 1952
The Montessori Philosophy