Through the Lens of: Montessori
Through the Lens of: Montessori
Step into the world of early childhood education, and it won’t take long before you hear whispers (or shouts!) of Montessori. Named after the revolutionary Dr. Maria Montessori, this teaching approach has shaped countless classrooms worldwide. And yes, it’s made a significant impact on our learning environments too, even though we also have our own unique twist—The Inspire Philosophy. But what is it about Montessori that resonates so deeply with educators, parents, and most importantly, children?
Let’s take a playful dive into the Montessori way, exploring what makes it tick and how we’ve sprinkled its magic into our classrooms.
What Makes Montessori Special?
At its core, Montessori education revolves around one simple truth: children are natural learners. Let’s face it, anyone who's watched a toddler tackle the monumental task of putting on their shoes knows that kids are constantly learning. They crave independence, movement, and choice. Montessori teaching practices embrace this by fostering an environment where children lead their own learning. Rather than being dictated to, children in Montessori settings are given the space to explore, make decisions, and learn from their actions.
In our setting, this principle aligns beautifully with what we believe—the early years are a time for children to be active, curious, and most importantly, respected as individuals. Maria Montessori was a firm advocate for respecting children, not just as future adults but as whole people with needs, desires, and personalities all their own. And that’s something we take to heart every day.
Our Montessori-Inspired Spaces: Cozy and Calm
Picture this: you walk into a classroom, but instead of rows of desks and colorful posters on the walls, you’re greeted with a space that feels... well, more like a cozy living room than a school. That’s intentional! Montessori environments are designed to be warm, neutral, and calming—think less "high-energy classroom chaos" and more "inviting home space." This intentional design helps children feel comfortable, safe, and free to explore.
In our nursery, we’ve taken a page out of this book. We’ve crafted an environment where children can roam freely, exploring various stations at their own pace. Shelves are stocked with materials that invite little hands and curious minds to engage, while tables and mirrors are placed at child-friendly heights. Oh, and here’s a fun fact: we love repurposing old furniture, cutting down table legs or lowering mirrors to meet the needs of our tiny learners. This blend of Montessori functionality and our own creative twist helps create a nurturing space where kids feel empowered to navigate their world.
Freedom to Move, Freedom to Choose
One of the biggest Montessori beliefs is that movement is key to learning. You know how you can’t sit still during a long meeting or while trying to concentrate on a difficult task? Well, kids are the same! Movement and learning go hand-in-hand. Montessori classrooms let children move freely within boundaries, so they can choose where they want to focus their energy.
We’ve embraced this in our Inspire Philosophy as well. Rather than expecting children to sit quietly in one place for extended periods, we offer play invitations that are designed to spark their curiosity and get them up and moving. Whether they’re carefully balancing blocks to build a tower or maneuvering materials at a sensory table, every activity is an opportunity for children to develop their problem-solving skills, resilience, and sense of independence.
Learning Beyond the Physical Environment
Now, Montessori isn’t just about creating a dreamy learning environment; it’s about the whole child. This philosophy emphasizes educating all aspects of a child’s development: cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. And we couldn’t agree more! That’s why we focus on providing play opportunities that encourage kids to explore, problem-solve, and take risks in a safe and supportive setting.
At our nursery, our team of creative teachers carefully plans learning experiences that allow children to follow their natural interests. This self-directed learning helps them develop not only academically but also emotionally—building resilience, perseverance, and self-confidence. We believe that by nurturing these skills early on, we’re setting children up for success far beyond the classroom.
Montessori’s Lasting Gift: The Power of Belonging
As we peek through the Montessori lens, it’s clear that the first six years of life are crucial stepping stones. Dr. Montessori believed this, and so do we. It’s not just about preparing children academically but equipping them with a sense of belonging, confidence, and autonomy that they’ll carry with them throughout life.
So, while we’ve carved out our own unique path with The Inspire Philosophy, the Montessori method has certainly left its mark on us. From our child-centered environments to our respect for self-directed learning, we’re grateful for the many lessons Montessori has taught us. Through it all, our goal remains the same: to give children the tools they need to build strong foundations for their future.
In short, Montessori isn’t just an educational method—it’s a celebration of childhood, and we’re thrilled to keep the party going!
F.A.Q:
What is the difference between nursery and Montessori?
The nursery is simply the learning environment – Montessori is a pedology that influences how and why we do things the way we do. In doing this, we ensure that our environments and teaching practice is tailored to meet the needs of the individual child.
Montessori and Reggio, how are they similar?
Oh, they’re like two peas in a very creative, child-centered pod! Both approaches believe that children are curious explorers, ready to take the lead in their learning. Montessori loves a tidy, prepared environment with all those neat little trays, while Reggio is more about the flexible, artsy spaces where creativity flows. But at the heart of it, both philosophies trust children to guide their own discovery, respect their voices, and see the classroom as a place where imagination can run wild—just with different vibes!
What is the best age to start at a Montessori nursery?
While true, traditional Montessori practice begins at the age of three; at Kid’s Island we have found methods of adjusting our environments and teaching practices to benefit children from crawlers, to toddlers and to pre-school age children.
How is Montessori and Kindergarten similar?
Kindergarten and Montessori are like two friendly neighbors in the education world, both focused on letting kids explore and learn at their own pace. While kindergarten is all about playful discovery, Montessori adds a sprinkle of independence with child-sized tools and self-guided learning. Both love creating environments where kids can dive into hands-on activities, whether it’s finger painting in kindergarten or carefully pouring water in a Montessori classroom. They’re united by their belief that kids learn best when they’re having fun and following their natural curiosity!
Is Montessori worth it?
In short – yes! Setting your child up with self-confidence, independence and a strong sense of self in their early years is a gift you can give them that will last a life-time.
What are the core beliefs of Montessori?
Respecting children, acknowledging the ‘absorbent mind’ in children’s first 6 years, educating the ‘whole’ child, allowing children freedom of movement and choice and building a child-centric environment.