In 1907, Dr. Maria Montessori enlightened the world with her educational approach for children of all walks of life and levels of intelligence. She was a graduate scientist who later received the first medical degree awarded to a woman in Italy. Dr Montessori became a noted physician and pioneer in child psychology and education. She insisted that her work is not a method of education, simply “help given in order that the human personality may achieve its independence.”

Children posses amazing powers that will allow them to complete the arduous task of their own construction- developing into fully formed, fulfilled individuals. They can accomplish this task through purposeful movement, exploration, and discovery. The adults crucial role is to foster and protect this all-important growth. The Montessori classroom prepares its students for each developmental plane, allowing them to take responsibility for their own education- making choices, changing and becoming unique human beings.

Just as important as the subject matter which children assimilate is the approach to ordering their surroundings, to absorbing the environment, and finally, to abstracting the information. Our ultimate goal is to lead the child into self-discipline, that he may become his own teacher.

In the Montessori classroom, the “teacher” prepares the environment through the use of specialized materials which allow the child to come into contact with certain qualities and facts in the world around him. The teacher, by alternating direct and indirect roles, closely and continuously observes the child as he uses the materials presented to him, watching his readiness to move on to the next developmental plane.

A child learns to achieve the very best for himself, to develop a relentless curiosity, to give his all, and to work for perfection. In order to achieve these goals, he must learn. This begins with acquiring independence, responsibility, and logical thought. These are the first things a child learns at Easton Montessori School.