PRIVATE bilingual montessori NURSERY SCHOOL SINCE 2012
The Montessori approach
Children learn by doing, at their own pace, in a setting designed just for them.
An approach born from observation
In 1907, Maria Montessori opened her first "Children's House" (Casa dei Bambini) in Rome. She noticed that children concentrate for a long time when an activity meets their needs of the moment, and that they gain confidence when they are allowed to do things for themselves. Since then, her approach has spread to thousands of schools around the world. Today, many studies in neuroscience and cognitive science echo several of her insights, in particular the importance of the child's active engagement in their learning.
The key principles
Six key ideas to understand what happens in a Montessori class.
The child, actively engaged in their learning
Between 0 and 6, children go through "sensitive periods": times when they are particularly receptive to language, order, movement or sensations. They choose their activities according to what draws them and learn with enthusiasm.
A prepared environment
Child-sized furniture, materials stored within reach, space to move about freely: everything is designed so that the child can act alone, without depending on the adult.
Materials to handle
Designed for motor, sensory and intellectual development, the materials allow children to move from the concrete to the abstract. They are self-correcting: the child spots their own mistakes and tries again, without waiting to be corrected.
The teacher, an attentive guide
The teacher observes each child, presents an activity at the right moment, then steps back. Their role is not to work through a programme, but to support each child wherever they are.
Freedom and responsibility
The child chooses their activity, their place and how long they spend on it, within a framework of clear rules: respecting others, the materials and the shared space.
Mixed ages
Younger and older children share the same class. The youngest learn by watching, the older ones consolidate what they know by helping. Helping one another and mutual respect are part of everyday life.
What you will find in the classroom
The pleasure of succeeding
Children learn for the satisfaction of getting there, without marks or rewards.
A path for each child
Personalised follow-up, so that each child progresses according to their needs.
Patience and sharing
There is only one of each material: children wait their turn, watch a classmate and share.
What your child gains
Every day, the Montessori approach helps your child to build:
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self-confidence, by succeeding on their own;
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concentration, by seeing an activity through to the end;
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independence, in everyday tasks as well as in their choices;
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a love of learning, by following their curiosity;
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respect for others, by living each day in a small community.