Principles of Montessori
The principles of Montessori education were developed by Doctor Maria Montessori over many years of experimentation and observation. They are based on respect for children’s learning process. The principles of Montessori are just as much about understanding how children learn, as they are about defining how Montessori is different to traditional education.
The Five Principles
Respect for the Child
Respect for the Child is the major principle underlying the entire Montessori method.
Much of the Montessori philosophy stems from a deep respect for children. This involves respecting the uniqueness of every child, their freedom to choose, to move, to correct their own mistakes, and to work at their own pace. Montessori educators work and interact with children from a place of genuine respect.
![Montessori educators work and interact with children from a place of genuine respect.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e2f463_ac1ed3279934449aa879d91de7526c84~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_401,h_266,al_c,lg_1,q_80,enc_auto/e2f463_ac1ed3279934449aa879d91de7526c84~mv2.jpg)
Absorbent Mind
Doctor Maria Montessori’s research determined that the first six years of life are the most crucial in a child’s development. She termed this stage the period of the ‘absorbent mind’ to describe the child’s sponge-like capacity to absorb information from their environment. During this time, children rapidly develop an understanding of their culture, and their world, and construct the foundations of their intelligence and personality.
![The period of the ‘absorbent mind’ describes the child’s sponge-like capacity to absorb information from their environment.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e2f463_a5f8872f36c547a09f6a18bb0ace885b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_387,h_285,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/depositphotos_50558811-stock-photo-boy-working.jpg)
![Characteristics of sensitive periods include: intense focus, repetition, commitment to a task, and greatly extended periods of concentration.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e2f463_abc3f9d703174289b21bff03f5ac3d65~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_134,y_0,w_2711,h_1687/fill/w_432,h_269,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/e2f463_abc3f9d703174289b21bff03f5ac3d65~mv2.jpg)
Sensitive Periods
Doctor Maria Montessori observed that children pass through specific stages in their development when they are most capable of learning specific knowledge areas and skills. She termed these stages "sensitive periods", which essentially describe windows of opportunity for learning. Characteristics of sensitive periods include: intense focus, repetition, commitment to a task, and greatly extended periods of concentration.
Educating the Whole Child
Montessori education is focused on nurturing each child’s potential by providing learning experiences that support their intellectual, physical, emotional and social development. In addition to language and mathematics, the Montessori Curriculum also covers practical life, sensorial, and culture. All aspects of children’s development and learning are intertwined and viewed as equally important.
![Montessori education is focused on nurturing each child’s potential by providing learning experiences that support their intellectual, physical, emotional and social development.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e2f463_4a4b3adceb964ac79078c8965bd6b3f5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_439,h_275,al_c,lg_1,q_80,enc_auto/e2f463_4a4b3adceb964ac79078c8965bd6b3f5~mv2.jpg)
Auto-Education
One of the core principles of the Montessori Method is the concept of auto-education. It’s based on the belief that children are capable and willing to teach themselves if they are provided with interesting learning stimulus. Montessori materials were developed to meet this need and empower children with the ability to direct their own education. Montessori educators provide the prepared environment, guidance, and the encouragement for children to educate themselves.
![Montessori materials empower children with the ability to direct their own education.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e2f463_eeff8be28eab42718d8892c268baefe0~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_422,h_281,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/istockphoto-1395172486-612x612.jpg)