Basic Concepts of the Montessori Method

An introduction to six basic concepts to the Montessori teaching method, and an overview of the philosophy behind the approach.

1) Natural, inner guidance: All children have unique, innate directives that come from within to guide them in the natural course of their development.

2) Self-directed learning: Children are competent, capable beings and can direct their own learning, choosing their activities and duration of engagement with them. This creates the most natural way for the children to learn and express their unique potentials, talents, skills, and interests. It also encourages the child to maintain their natural joy of learning.

3) Prepared environment: The conditions for children to be able to follow their inner guidance and self-direct their learning must be created to support this process. This means providing an environment with a variety of objects that are accessible and easily available for free and independent use.

4) Observation and indirect teaching: The teacher does not lead lectures or read from books, and rarely leads large-group activities. Rather, the teacher observes the children in order to continually modify the environment to suit the childrens’ needs. The teacher also provides one-on-one instruction when a child has reached a point where they are ready for a new lesson or the introduction of a new concept.

5) Learning through all the senses: The activities and things available in the classroom for childrens’ self-directed learning are designed to allow for learning through all of the senses, rather than just listening or reading. This helps to create a process of discovery, which fosters the development of concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and ultimately a love of learning.

6) Grouped learning: rather than being divided up by each year, the children are put into mixed groups by age and ability, usually in three or six year age spans. This allows for socialization and normalization, and both older and younger children teach and learn from one another.

This guide to the basic concepts of the Montessori method was published by MCHD, a leading Denver private school and founder of three Montessori schools in Denver.