Early childhood education has come to accept what Maria Montessori discovered long ago: Children under six have extraordinary powers of mind. They have a universal, once-in-a-lifetime ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings just by living. They take in their environment- the physical space, the language and movement of adults and children - with what Montessori called “the absorbent mind.” The absorbent mind is at its peak receptivity during the preschool years. A Montessori classroom is a specially designed and equipped environment allowing children to move, touch, manipulate and explore. It gives them the freedom to choose their own work without unnecessary interference from an adult. In this environment they learn to work independently, based on their own initiative, which builds concentration and self-discipline. The purpose of the method is the development of the child’s inner self, and from this, love of life and learning expand continuously.

Last updated on 6 08 10 by Carol-Ann McKinley