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Montessori Education is often referred to as "Self Education". Dr. Maria Montessori believed, as Aristotle did, that all education of the individual comes to him through his senses. Therefore, he learns by experience. In our school, the classroom is a carefully prepared environment; materials are placed on the shelves to satisfy the young child's sensitive periods (developmental stages). This attention to detail allows each child to experience a wide variety of stimuli and to progress as his body, intellect, and emotions dictate. He must, of course, observe rules of social interaction; show respect for the materials and for the other people in the environment, and he must "return the material to the shelf in good order, ready for the next person".
Social Graces and Courtesies are taught through a carefully designed program of lessons, example and daily practice. It becomes "normal" for the children to say "please", "thank-you", "may I", "no thank-you", to shake hands upon being introduced or saying good-bye, and to look people in the eye when holding a conversation.
Our children are also encouraged to "think". They are often asked to define their need, and how that need may be met. Then they are encouraged to take the step or steps to have the need met. A time consuming process, yes. And the results are well worth the effort. If our children are able to "think" as described here, it is likely they will be successful in Life. As Dr.Montessori said, "The child is the father of the man."
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