The Principles underlying the Montessori Method

Through working with children and observing how children learn, Maria Montessori developed certain principles which form the foundation of the Montessori approach to education. 

1. Young children are capable of tremendous amounts of concentration.
   
   Maria Montessori discovered that young children are capable of tremendous concentration and derive great enjoyment from focusing on specific tasks. 
   
   

2. Young children have a love of repetition.
   
   Maria Montessori observed that the love of repetition of tasks and activities seems to satisfy a profound psychological need in young children. Rather that being fatigued by the concentration required in repeating activities and tasks, children appear to be invigorated by the process of mastering a task and learning from its repetition.
   
   

3. Young children have a love of order.
   
   Maria Montessori discovered that young children have an innate love of order and want to be given responsibility for creating and maintaining their world. 
   
   

4. Children thrive on freedom of choice.
   
   The Montessori approach to education recognizes the that giving children the freedom to choose their own task, materials and equipment to work with, both develops their abilities as well as encourages their growth towards confidence and independence.
   
   

5. The challenge of work is its own reward.
   
   Maria Montessori discovered that when children are allowed to choose their own work, the work itself provides its own rewards. Systems which offer external rewards or impose punishment are much less effective in helping children learn how to work effectively.
   
   

6. A child's sense of personal dignity is reinforced.
   
   The Montessori method is premised fundamentally on respect for the child as a unique individual. The child's sense of personal dignity is reinforced as is respect for self and others.