Montessori is a philosophy and method of education which emphasizes the potential of the very young child, and which develops his potential by utilizing specially trained teachers and special teaching materials. Montessori education recognizes in the child a natural curiosity and desire to learn, while Montessori materials awaken this desire and channel his curiosity into a learning experience which the child enjoys. Montessori materials help the child to understand what he learns, by associating an abstract concept with a concrete sensorial experience. In this manner, Montessori is actually learning and not just memorizing. The Montessori Method stresses that children learn and progress at their own pace. Fast learners are not held back, and slow learners are not frustrated by their inability to keep up.
