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ABOUT
MONTESSORI EDUCATION
Dr. Maria Montessori concluded
80 years ago that at certain points early in a child's
life, he/she will pass through sensitive periods when
they possess a unique and amazing ability for learning.
To take advantage of these sensitive periods, the child
is provided an environment (the Montessori classroom)
that is equipped to stimulate his/her particular interest
and allow him/her to exercise their innate ability to
learn. To a child in this environment, learning is never
difficult or tiresome.
The
Montessori method includes an environment (the classroom)
with educational materials and equipment, much of which
are self-correcting. The activities and materials encourage
each child to discover for himself, within a framework
of order, and choose and complete tasks designed for
success at each stage of his/her development.
This
approach not only challenges the most gifted child,
but also encourages each child to fill his potential.
This is done with the guidance of a Montessori trained
teacher.The
children in a Montessori classroom prove Dr. Montessori's
theory - children can learn to read, write and calculate
as easily and naturally as they can walk and talk.
A
Montessori education provides a unique cycle of learning
designed to meet the individual development of the child.
Children that learn the basic skills of reading, writing
and arithmetic in this natural way have the advantage
of beginning their education without drudgery, boredom
or discouragement. The goal for each child is the development
of his ability to solve problems using an organized
approach, to use freedom wisely, to respect himself
and others, but above all to take the "Joy of Learning"
with him/her throughout life.
ABOUT
MARIA MONTESSORI
Maria
Montessori graduated from the University of Rome in
1896. As the first woman to practice medicine in Italy,
Dr. Montessori was very involved with the care of young
children. Through her observation, she came to see how
children interacted with one another, learned through
the use of materials she designed, and went through
specific phases of development. Her approach to education
was developed based on her observation, in collaboration
with her scientific background and her belief in the
education of children as a means to create a better
society. She continued to observe children around the
world and found that the universal laws of development
she had recognized were inherent to all children.
The
Montessori approach to education continues to be respected
and practiced internationally. The Association Montessori
International (AMI) was established in 1929 by Dr. Montessori
to maintain, propagate and further her ideas and principles
for the full development of the child. AMI has teacher
training centers located throughout the world.
Charles
Towne Montessori School is the only Montessori school
in South Carolina to have the AMI certification.
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