Montessori is an approach to education developed by Dr Maria Montessori, an Italian doctor and educator whose work was shaped by many years of observing how children learn and develop.
At its heart is a belief in children’s natural curiosity and their capacity to become confident, independent and engaged learners when given the right environment, guidance and opportunities to explore.
Learning Designed Around the Child
Montessori recognises that children develop at different rates and are motivated by different interests.
Rather than relying mainly on whole-class teaching, Montessori teachers work with individuals and small groups, introducing lessons and materials at the right time and guiding children as they build their skills and understanding.
Children have choice within clear expectations and gradually take greater responsibility for their work and learning.
A Carefully Prepared Environment
The Montessori classroom is intentionally designed to support children’s independence and learning.
Materials are organised, accessible and carefully sequenced. Many Montessori materials allow children to explore ideas in a concrete, hands-on way before moving towards more abstract understanding.
Children have time to concentrate deeply, practise, make discoveries and return to their work. Teachers observe each child’s progress and help connect them with lessons, materials and experiences that support their next stage of learning.
Learning With Others
Montessori classrooms bring children of different ages together, creating a community where children learn with and from one another.
Younger children benefit from observing and working alongside older classmates. As children grow, they have opportunities to share their knowledge, support others and develop leadership.
The result is a community where children can work independently while also learning how to collaborate, contribute and care for others.
Education for the Whole Child
Montessori education is about more than academic learning.
Alongside developing knowledge and skills, children are encouraged to develop independence, concentration, perseverance, responsibility and respect for others.
Montessori also encourages children to be curious about the world around them, to see connections between ideas and to understand that they have something to contribute to their community and the wider world.
The aim is to nurture curious, capable and compassionate learners with a strong foundation for learning and life.
Montessori Primary in Tauranga
TMET supports Montessori Primary education within Arataki School and Bellevue School.
Our Montessori classrooms support children through to the end of Year 6, providing an environment where they can grow in independence, deepen their learning and be part of a strong mixed-age community.
