What is Montessori Education?
Montessori is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. In Montessori classrooms children make creative choices in their learning, while the classroom and the highly trained teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process. Children work in groups and individually to discover and explore knowledge of the world and to develop their maximum potential.
Montessori classrooms are beautifully crafted environments designed to meet the needs of children in a specific age range. Dr. Maria Montessori discovered that experiential learning in this type of classroom led to a deeper understanding of language, mathematics, science, music, social interactions and much more.
Every material in a Montessori classroom supports an aspect of child development, creating a match between the child’s natural interests and the available activities. Children can learn through their own experience and at their own pace. They can respond at any moment to the natural curiosities that exist in all humans and build a solid foundation for life-long learning.
AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI
AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI
AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI
Avocado Montessori Academy's philosophy and curriculum follow the authentic Montessori Method:
Respecting our children's needs as a learner and human as well, they are given agency to self-select work, leading to intrinsic motivation and sustained attention.
Integrating the whole child—mind, body, and spirit, develop a life-long joy, love and excitement for learning. Giving our children the gift of independence, let them know we value them and know they are capable.
MIXED-AGE
AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI
AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI
The mixed age groups provide a unique learning opportunity for children that’s not possible in classes with a strictly limited age group. Even though we have different classrooms, all children still interact and Younger children are inspired by older children, often looking up to them as role models. Older children, as experienced members of the community, have the opportunity to be experts and leaders, which builds self-confidence. Montessori classrooms are comprised of mixed-aged groups of children.
CURRICULUM
AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI
RESPONSIBILITY
The curriculum and learning materials cover the areas of:
- Mathematics
- Language
- Practical life
- Sensorial refinement
- Cultural studies.
RESPONSIBILITY
RESPONSIBILITY
RESPONSIBILITY
Children in Montessori classrooms develop their sense of responsibility in small doses as they see the consequences of their choices in everything they do in the classroom. Children take pride in mastering skills that can contribute to the order and beauty of the classroom and volunteer cheerfully when they are given responsibilities.
INDEPENDENCE
RESPONSIBILITY
INDEPENDENCE
Montessori’s approach to education of the young children starts with the prepared environment. The young children can explore and learn the skills to be fully functional in their own environment under the positive directions provided by the Montessori guides.
COMPASSION
RESPONSIBILITY
INDEPENDENCE
The power of compassion grows from the ability to empathize with someone else’s suffering and the ability to empathize cannot develop unless children experience the acceptance of their own shortcomings by adults as well as peers in a caring environment.