The Montessori approach aims to develop the child's potential, and is
based on 'following the child'-
recognising and responding to the child's developmental needs. Teachers
have a strong belief in the
innate capacity of children to do their own learning, and so focus on
developing the qualities of
independence, self-confidence, self-discipline, and the skills of
concentration and orderly work habits.
The
guiding principles of MMEEC are that:
•
The best time for learning is in the first six years of life.
• Adults should have a profound respect for each child and the awareness
that
each child is truly an
individual.
• Each child has a different learning style, different pace of moving,
thinking,
growing.
• The adults in the child's environment are there to guide and stimulate,
not to
teach.
• That each child has a strong urge to progress, to perfect him or herself
and is
fascinated by all aspects of life.
• The child will choose from a prepared environment, the tools for his or
her own
development, on the activity, to
repeat as often as he or she chooses and then to
replace it on the shelf ready
for the next child.
• Each classroom is a mini society and each child- and adult - is a
respected member.
• Each child will develop to his or her full potential in a caring,
non-competitive environment.
