The basis of the Montessori theory is an educational theory that shows concern for the development of the whole child. The physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual development of the child is intertwined. Development in one area influences and supports the other areas. It is not beneficial to focus on the development of one aspect in isolation. The focus is on developing the whole child into a well rounded human being who would become a contributing member to society. Montessori believed that the child was not a blank slate which the teacher fills with information. The child is the result of an unfolding spiritual embryo which, nurtured in the proper environment, develops to an optimal state. The child has potentials but needs the proper surrounding in order for the potentialities to develop to the fullest.
The child at ages 6 - 12 has a great capacity to learn consciously and deliberately and also to think and to memorize. This is the time to give the rudiments of the advanced disciplines of higher math, geometry, chemistry, physical and biological sciences, grammar and syntax, for at this time mental energies are clamouring for activity. By the time puberty is reached and adolescence is at hand, these energies will shift and centre on the activities of the endocrine glands to effect biological changes. Mental capacities will taper off and disciplines of the mind will temporarily be set aside. This is not the time for academic curricula.
The period from 6 - 12 years is the opportune time to feed the flame within the child and manifest his God-given potential. Activities involving relationships with the environment such as interacting with friends and the exploration of the ever widening surroundings are very stimulating. Classifications, sequences, and discovering the order in the natural laws provide these children with wonderful sources of experiential learning. They need to know the reason for things. In their years before six, they learned through sensorial exploration, now up to 12 years of age, they learn through imaginative intelligence. To confine the child to abstract or textbook learning is to block the way to self-discovery and the unfolding of "potentialities", thereby extinguishing the Flame, the genius within.
Montessori Environment:
- Does not rely on text and workbooks
- Does not have desks
- Provides hands on concrete learning materials
- Treats children with respect and as unique individuals
- Promotes a warm and supportive community environment
- Provides classrooms that are bright and exciting
- Has children stay with the same teacher for 3 years
- Teaches students to manage their own community
- Allows children to learn at their own pace fostering different learning styles
- Has a diverse student body
- Curriculum is structured to demonstrate the connection between the different subject areas
- Teachers are there to facilitate learning, coach and children come to know them as friends and mentors