The Montessori Method

The Montessori method is always child-centered putting the child's holistic development first. Within the "prepared environment," the equipment, furniture and activities are all carefully selected and maintained to support the child's freedom and natural progression;  learning at the child's pace. All the adults within the environment act as role models to the children and their actions should present model behaviour - the slow, calm manner in which they carry out and present activities allows the child the time to absorb the impression of the action before they try for themselves.  The adults always treat the children with respect and understanding.

Who was Maria Montessori

Dr. Maria Montessori(1870-1952) was born in Chiaravalle, Italy and became a pioneer in modern education.

In Montessori's time education was in need of urgent reform - in schools children were restricted body and soul, by desks, materials, rewards and punishments.  They were kept immobile and silent.  Education equalled the mechanical filling of  a child's mind with the contents of the syllabus,
(“The Discovery of the Child, 1988”).

Montessori devised progressive methods whereby the child was free to learn in a structured environment tailored to enhance and support this learning.  She also trained her teachers named Directresses, to observe and support each child's individual development needs.

Today the Montessori method of teaching children is still used through out the world and is as relevant now as it was in Montessori's day.

What Age can my child start at a Montessori School

This depends on the provider, most Montessori nurseries take children from 2 1/2 or 3 years and they continue there until they are 5 or 6 years of age.  However there are also nurseries that provide care for 0-3 years and schools that educate them beyond 6 years of age.

The Devon Montessori Early Years Forum

The Devon Montessori Early Years Forum is a group of individuals who use Montessori methods.  

The Montessori Early Years Forum Mission statement:

• Contribute actively to promote the rights of the child.
• Harmonize Montessori nationally.
• Inspire and stimulate educational debate.
• Link and communicate with Early Years professionals to build partnerships
• Demonstrate and participate in best practice in Early years

Members of this group include

• Chagford Montessori School, 01647 433676
• Hope House Montessori School, Topsham,  Exeter, 01392 875766
• Little Orchard Montessori Nursery School, South Brent, 01364 73131 or 01752 698494
• Little Acorns Montessori Pre-school, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, 01626 832137
• Little Oaks Montessori Pre-school, Burrington, Umberleigh, 01769 520601
• Maria Montessori School, Exeter, 01392 201303
• Drakes Montessori, Exmouth, 01395 263868

for more information on the Devon Montessori Early Years Forum please contact Claire Ash Wheeler on 01647 433676 or e-mail ashwheeler@eclipse.co.uk

Links to Montessori Sites

Montessori Centre International www.montessori.ac.uk
Montessori St. Nicholas Centre www.montessori.org.uk/
Montessori Education