Casa di Bambini
House of Children
Scientific observation has established that education is not what the teacher gives; education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by human individual and is acquired not by listening to words but the experiences upon the environment.
- " Maria Montessori, Education for a New World"
Maria Montessori saw much need for reform in the educational system of her day, just as we see the same need for reform in our educational system today. Her goal was to develop the whole personality of the child and her system is based on a strong belief in the spontaneous working of the human intellect. Her three primary principles are observation, individual liberty and preparation of the environment. These principles and their various practical expressions with children are gradually becoming part of our educational system. Modern kindergarten classrooms use the child- sized furniture and didactic materials first introduced by Montessori. Such current concepts as individualized learning and readiness programs, manipulative learning, ungraded classes, combined age groups, team teaching and open classrooms reflect many of her early insights.
Below are some characteristics and benefits of the Montessori method:
- In Montessori, Star School teaches independence from an early age. Children take an active part in running the school, like putting, learning equipment in order after they have used it. Practical tasks like sweeping, polishing and tying shoe lace, are learnt by children on a daily basis.
- Children are not expected to conform to set standards of achievement as in conventional schools. The Montessori method takes account of the needs, talents, gifts and special individuality of each child. Children learn at their own pace, so they are neither constrained nor criticized for what they do. There is a total freedom to learn which makes learning fun.
- All children, whatever their abilities or interests are, reach their full potential. Many children learn best in different ways and the equipment is designed for this. For example, one piece of equipment is the sand alphabet - the letters of the alphabet in sand on card. The child traces over the sand letter with her finger and then writes the letter on paper. For all subjects there are items of interest to the child, however, he learns best. For example, for geography, not only are there books, but globes, map puzzles, pictures and animal figures (sensory items).
- The equipment available at Star School for learning is unique and designed by Maria Montessori. It is exceptionally good quality equipment which means the children value it and treat it with care.
- Children are quiet by choice and out of respect for others within the environment. The Montessori classroom allows children to return to the "inner peace "which is a natural part of their personality.
- It is a child-centered environment. All the materials are easily within the child's reach and placed on shelves at their levels. The tables and chairs are small enough for the children to sit comfortably while the pictures and decorations are placed at the children's eye level.
- In our Star School Montessori environment children are encouraged to respect and help one another. If they choose, they will work with other children and help one another, or 'teach' one another, and they enjoy doing so. It is wonderful to watch children who really want to help others.
- The teacher plays a very unobtrusive role in the classroom. The children are not motivated by the teacher. but they do it by the need for self-development.
- The benefits of a Montessori education are numerous. It is worth visiting the school and experiencing the atmosphere for yourself. The main goal of our Star School Montessori is to provide a stimulating, child-oriented environment that children can explore, touch and learn without fear. Each child learns at his or her own pace. Teachers are understanding and encouraging, so that the child can enjoy learning and feel happy about his/her pat and purpose in life.
