Choosing a Montessori environment for your child has many benefits. Known for individually-paced learning and fostering independence, the Montessori method also encourages empathy, a passion for social justice, and a joy in lifelong learning.

For babies and toddlers (from birth to three years old), the aim is usually directed at developing their coordination, movement and motor skills, exploring their senses and growing their vocabulary and language. Babies and toddlers also need to have a trusting, secure, and supportive environment, which will help to bring out their abilities as well as confidence. Children at this age would also be provided with opportunities to obtain a sense of self-reliance and independence through simple practical life activities.

For children three to six years old, the focus is on providing lots of opportunities for development, independence, investigation, exploration, imagination, creativity, and self-expression. They are provided with tasks which involve covering with Montessori curriculum areas.

Montessori discovered that structure is important to help children feel safe and secure. Montessori is based on a child’s innate desire to learn. Their enormous capacity to do so is stimulated when provided with a favourable environment and appropriate materials, under the guidance of a professional.

How is this fostered?

Montessori education values each child as a unique individual, acknowledging that they learn in different ways. The approach accommodates all learning styles and allows children to learn at their own pace, guided by teachers and personalised learning plans.

From an early age, Montessori focuses on fostering qualities such as order, concentration, and independence. The international classroom design, materials, and daily routines support self-regulation and critical thinking.

Being part of a caring community helps children feel supported and gain confidence. Teachers promote respect, kindness, and peaceful conflict resolution.

Montessori children enjoy freedom within limits, actively participating in their learning. Teachers provide environments that encourage curiosity and allow students to pursue their own questions.

Self correction and self-assessment are integral to the Montessori approach. Children learn to recognise, correct, and learn from their mistakes.

Montessori education also fosters social-emotional skills. Research shows that children in Montessori classrooms exhibit stronger social-emotional skills compared to traditional learning environments.

One of the most important principles of Montessori teaching is freedom within limits. Given the freedom and support to question, to probe deeply, and to make connections, children become confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners.

Freedom of Movement

Children need to be able to move freely from space to space so that they can act upon their impulses and inner needs. We prepare an environment that gives children the opportunity to explore and investigate their surroundings.

Freedom of Choice

Freedom of choice is fundamental because choice allows children to discover their needs, interests and abilities. This freedom encourages children to be engaged in their learning, and thus discover the outcome of the activity.

Freedom of Time

Freedom of time allows children to work with the same material for as long as they like. In effect, this encourages children to learn at their own pace, develop the skills of concentration, and learn patience to wait their turn.

Freedom to Repeat

The work cycle in pre-school or free play for the younger groups give children the opportunity to work with materials and achieve success through practice. Furthermore, through repetition, children learn to self-correct and problem solve.

Freedom to Communicate

Children learn to discuss activities, problem solve, and develop their social skills.

Freedom to Make Mistakes

The design of Montessori materials encourages children to discover and understand the outcome of the activity by themselves, through hands-on learning experiences.