The Montessori movement began over 100 years ago in the slums of Rome, Italy. Dr Maria Montessori founded the first Casa dei Bambini, or "Children’s House’" on January 6, 1907. 

Today Montessori education is offered in many countries and cultures around the world with over 22,000 schools across six continents.

The founder, Dr. Maria Montessori believed that by placing children in a stimulating, specially prepared environment, their natural curiosity would help them become self-motivated learners. She stressed following the interests of the child with a focus on self-discovery. Education in these early years is "preparation for life", not merely a preparation for primary school.

Children have a deep urge to need to manipulate and explore and Montessori learning materials stimulate the child to make discoveries. In Montessori children cultivate concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. The Montessori classroom is prepared so that the physical space and routines of the classroom maximise independent learning and exploration. The class includes children from three to six years old; the children learn from each other and because of each other, with older children being role models for younger children.

In Montessori primary the child's questions are encouraged and provide the basis for exploration of the world. A Montessori education aims to give the child a vision of interrelated knowledge and a love of learning.

Montessori primary is also based on multi-age groupings which provide children with opportunities for social development. Relationships within the class are supported by sensitive and respectful adults who facilitate and help the children to take responsibility for their community. Younger children are inspired by the older children's activities and try to emulate their progress. The older children benefit by reinforcing their own knowledge "teaching" younger children.

The self-learning structure of a Montessori classroom frees the teacher to give a child the individual attention he needs, when he is ready, when his interest is high and curiosity aroused, instead of when the whole class is ready.  In a Montessori primary class an attitude to learning is developed where the child is not afraid to try new challenges and will be able to go into things in depth without limiting himself. 

The Montessori adolescent programme seeks to know the adolescent and meet her/his needs through the critical transition into adulthood by appreciating the adolescent’s new physical and mental abilities and supporting their increasing desire to understand themselves, their environment and their place in society.

For more information and your Parent Guide to Montessori 3-6 and 6-12 programmes go to the Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand website here