The Montessori approach itself is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. Montessori children’s environments are carefully designed to encourage independence, accessibility, concentration and freedom for children. The idea of a prepared environment is that everything the child comes into contact with facilitates and maximizes independent learning and exploration. In this calm environment children are free to choose and work on activities at their own pace. Here, in this calm, well-ordered environment they experience a combination of freedom and self-discipline, as guided by their surroundings. I have seen first hand with my own children the positive benefits of this approach and am continuing to learn and develop what we do in our home to best foster their independence.
