What We Do

Maria Montessori, often considered the first female physician in Italy, innovated the Montessori approach to education. The Montessori method concentrates on the specific developmental needs of the child. Montessori believed that everyone learns differently, and at their own pace. She created a new type of classroom, a prepared environment, to accommodate and stimulate the individual interests of her students. The Montessori method has successfully been in existence for over a century. Here, at Baan Dek, we're proud to recognize and carry on that tradition.

Who?

Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870. She graduated from the University of Rome Medical School in 1896 becoming one of the first female Italian physicians. Maria Montessori innovated the Montessori approach to education, which is focused on "following the interests of the child". She spread her vision throughout the world. Montessori died in the Netherlands in 1952.

What?

Montessori education concentrates on the specific needs of the child. Children are taught on a one-to-one basis in a prepared environment, specially designed to meet the requirements of Maria Montessori's philosophy of education. The materials in an authentic Montessori classroom are specifically designed and engineered to increase and enhance the education of your child.

Why?

If there is one trait that exemplifies the success of a Montessori school, it is that their students are creative, responsible and highly independent. If independence is coveted above all else, it is because it creates the freedom that is needed to develop, both academically and socially. Montessori helps children to think and act for themselves, independently and with the courage of thought.

 

"Never help a child with a task at which he can succeed."

- Maria Montessori

 

The Montessori Classroom

√ Emphasis placed on cognition & social formation.
√ Teacher as guide of classroom.
√ Environment and method promote self-discipline.
√ Primarily individual instruction.
√ Teacher encourages collaboration.
√ Mixed age children. Child chooses their own work.
√ Self-teaching materials help child learn concepts.
√ Child is allocated time to complete lessons.
√ Learning pace set by individual student.
√ Internal reinforcement of learning success.
√ Personal feelings of progress.
√ Child is free to work in the classroom.
√ Group participation elective.
√ Self-care learned.

Traditional Classroom

√ Emphasis placed on rote learning & social behavior.
√ Teacher controls the classroom.
√ Teacher is the only disciplinarian in the classroom.
√ Primarily group instruction.
√ Teaching is conducted by teacher.
√ Same age children. Teacher assigns work.
√ Teacher instructs child on concepts.
√ Specific time allotted on projects.
√ Learning pace set by group.
√ External reinforcement of learning success.
√ Rewards and punishments.
√ Normally assigned a specific location in class.
√ Group participation required.
√ Self-care left to parents.

 
 

Watch as this three year old student discovers one of the famous Montessori methods: control of error. The activity, cylinder blocks, allows her the opportunity to identify and then correct her own mistakes. What this method offers, is an ability for the student to gain self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. She did it!