One of the many beautiful things about the Montessori Method is that it provides a solid foundation that over time evolves into a life-long love of learning.
What many parents do not know is that for a Montessori teacher, education is a life-long learning experience. Through Professional Development programs, online courses and seminars, Montessori teachers are continuously expanding their knowledge, honing best practices and even learning new ways of guiding the students in their classrooms. Montessori is a dynamic, organic educational philosophy that incorporates new research in all areas from brain development to behavioral characteristics and scientific discoveries into a proven philosophy that puts the child, and their needs, first.
Each day in the classroom the beneficiaries of this knowledge are our students. They are introduced to new concepts, shown new lessons and materials and constantly encouraged to explore the world around them. Unlike traditional schools where students are asked to sit for long periods of time and handed information – Montessori students are not only encouraged, but expected, to explore the classroom and the playgrounds to find things that interest them. As they mature, this exploration expands beyond the school environment through books and field trips that take them out into the world.
Because of their Montessori experiences they will always be open to learning new information. Equally important as they mature they will know how to evaluate information, blend it into their current mix of acquired knowledge and have the ability to share it with others. In so doing, they not only are bettering themselves but they are also helping to make a better world for all of us.
The goal to better the world by educating the child is an underlying foundation of the Montessori Method. It was a good goal over 100 years ago when Dr. Maria Montessori first stated it, and it continues to be a valid goal today.
Every Montessori teacher and every Montessori student is playing their part every day in helping to achieve that goal.