Why Montessori?

"The first duty of an education is to stir up life, but leave it free to develop." - Maria Montessori

"These words reveal the child's inner needs: 'Help me to do it alone.'" - Maria Montessori

Why are Montessori preschools so popular? Because kids in Montessori schools throw themselves headlong at learning. Children in a Montessori classroom direct their own learning -- and as a result they find learning exciting, stimulating, and fun.

If a child wants to spend the whole day tracing the letters of the alphabet in sand, she is free to do that. She doesn't have to stop and break her concentration to do a group activity she has no interest in. Her work tracing letters is valuable; it's helping her prepare for writing and reading; and she's engaged and interested.

The child next to her may be doing something entirely different - maybe sorting sandpaper squares from least rough to roughest, or vigorously mopping the floor. And in a Montessori classroom, that's okay: each child is trusted to choose the work that is most engaging to her at that moment.

The Montessori philosophy encourages children to experience the joy of learning at an early age, and provides the framework in which intellectual and social growth go hand in hand. Some of the key tenets include:

Respect for children

At the core of Montessori philosophy is a deep reverence for children as people and a commitment to matching the style and pace of learning to each child's social, emotional, and development needs.

Freedom and Limits

In a Montessori classroom, children develop a strong sense of autonomy by working independently within carefully constructed limits.
Teachers constantly monitor the classroom and gently channel children's energy. Instead of directing children's activities, they help children explore independently.

Learning for learning's sake

Children are encouraged to learn because they want to learn. So as not to interfere with this inner joy of learning, teachers do not give children rewards for learning such as gold stars.

Children learn step-by-step

Children first tackle easier skills. After mastering those, they are ready to use those skills to solve harder problems with greater confidence.

Hands-on projects

Children learn actively by touching and manipulating the materials.

Mistakes are opportunities for growth

Children learn to see mistakes as part of the process of learning.

Nature

A reverence for nature is an integral part of the Montessori curriculum.

Collaboration

Children team up on large or difficult projects.

Intelligence is a given.

Children can learn - their different styles and paces are respected.

A kind, peaceful community

The Montessori classroom is a haven where children feel welcomed and accepted with warmth.

Long-lasting relationships

The multi-aged Montessori classroom allows children and teachers to remain together year after year, developing a much deeper understanding with each other.

Children participate in running their classroom community

Children care for shared resources and each other's work.

About Us Learn more about our teachers and the programs we offer at our location at 73rd and Hoover in Indianapolis.

Schedule a free tour. Click here to schedule a no-obligations classroom tour to see if our school is right for your child.

Further Reading Parents who are interested in the theory behind the Montessori model might want to continue on for a deeper look at the Montessori Philosophy, read this excellent article entitled Montessori 101, or check out our Montessori Links and Books to learn more.

A Children's Habitat Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten
801 W. 73rd Street
Attn: A Children's Habitat
Indianapolis , IN 46260-4150
Phone: 317-726-5584
E-Mail: info@childrens-habitat.org
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Indy's Best Montessori Toddler Program, Preschool & Kindergarten