What was Maria Montessori’s basic philosophy?

• Providing a balance between freedom and structure in an environment prepared especially for the child.
• Providing materials that allow for progressive learning through manipulation.
• Realizing the innate potential of the child and his ability to develop along his/her own natural lines in his/her “sensitive periods”

What are the Montessori materials?

• A single material isolates one concept to be learned
• Materials progress from simple to complex in design and usage
• Materials progress from concrete to abstract
• Materials have built-in controls of error
• Categories of materials are:  practical life, sensorial, language, math and culture (art, music, geography, science and history)

What are the goals for a child in a Montessori environment?

• Love of learning
• Sense of personal dignity
• Independence
• Sense of order
• Ability to work alone and with others
• Ability to concentrate well
• Self-motivation
• Self-discipline
• Enjoyment of repetition
• Pleasure and fulfillment in work for its own sake