“The child is endowed with unknown powers which can guide us to a radiant future” – Dr. Maria Montessori

What is Montessori?
Montessori is an educational philosophy founded by Dr. Maria Montessori. The child lies at the heart of this methodology and it is based on the belief that a child will learn best in an enriching environment, which supports and nurtures each individual’s unique development pattern. It also respects every child’s social, emotional, cultural and intellectual needs. Every nuance of this method follows the natural progression of a child’s growth.

Who was Maria Montessori?
Born in 1870, Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman graduate in Italy to become certified as a medical doctor, developed an educational method that still challenges the way we think about teaching our children. Her educational methods are based on scientific observations made while working with a number of children from different cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. This in turn led to specific epiphanies regarding children’s learning processes. One of her observations was that young children learn best in a homelike setting surrounded by developmentally appropriate materials that provide life experiences. Through observations, Dr. Montessori indicated that:
• Children must be respected as individuals who are different from adults
• Children create themselves through purposeful activity
• The most important years for learning are from birth to six years of age
• Children possess unusual sensitivity and mental powers for absorbing and learning from their environment, which includes people as well as materials

Why Montessori Education?
Montessori Education promotes a child’s total development in a holistic manner. Children are encouraged to achieve their potential without pressure or competition. Children are free to challenge themselves at their own pace without feeling ahead or left behind. Montessori education recognizes the individual potential in every child and guides each child to discover that potential.

How does it work?
Every classroom in FloMont World School operates on the principle of freedom within limits and is based on core Montessori beliefs – respect for each other and the environment. Children are free to work at their own pace; with the materials they have chosen. At the helm of each classroom is a directress who has undergone rigorous training and assessments before becoming a certified Montessori Guide. The directress relies on her scientific observation to determine which new activities to introduce to the child. The aim is to encourage active, positive and self-directed learning. The younger children are inspired and motivated asking for explanations, while older children share what they have learnt while simultaneously reinforcing their own learning and leadership skills. This encourages an atmosphere of inspiration and co-operation.