Choosing a FloretzAcademy A montessori environment for your child has many benefits. Known for individually paced learning and fostering independence, the Montessori Method also encourages empathy, a passion for social work , and a joy in lifelong learning. Given the freedom and support to question, to probe deeply, and to make connections, Montessori students become confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners. They are able to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly—a skill set for the 21st century.

1. What is Montessori Education?
"Education is an aid to life. It is a natural process carried out by the human
individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the
environment." Dr. Maria Montessori. Montessori is an educational philosophy based
on the belief that a child learns best within a social environment that supports and
nurtures each individual's unique development. Montessori education was founded
by Dr. Maria Montessori.
Who was Dr. Maria Montessori?
Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an early 20th century Italian educator and
visionary. She became the first female doctor in Italy in 1896. Through her work
with children, she developed a unique educational method known as the Montessori
Method. She received a total of six nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize in a three-
year period: 1949, 1950, and 1951.
How Did It Begin?
In 1907, she opened her first classroom, the Casa dei Bambini, or Children's House,
in a tenement building in Rome. From the beginning, Montessori based her work on
her observations of children and experimentation with the environment, materials,
and lessons available to them. She frequently referred to her work as "scientific
pedagogy". Montessori continued to extend her work during her lifetime,
developing a comprehensive model of psychological development from birth to age
24. As Montessori developed her theory and practice, she came to believe that
education had a role to play in the development of world peace. She felt that children
allowed to develop according to their inner laws of development would give rise to
a more peaceful and enduring civilization.
Basis of Montessori Education/Curriculum
Montessori observed four distinct periods, or "planes", in human development,
extending from birth to six years, from six to twelve, from twelve to eighteen, and
from eighteen to twenty-four. She saw different characteristics, learning modes, and
developmental imperatives active in each of these planes, and called for educational
approaches specific to each period.
At Floretz we handle children who are in the first plane
The first plane extends from birth to around six years of age. During this period,
Montessori observed that the child undergoes striking physical and psychological
development. The first plane child is seen as a concrete, sensorial explorer and
learner engaged in the developmental work of psychological self-construction and

2. building functional independence. Montessori introduced several concepts to
explain this work, including the absorbent mind, sensitive periods, and
normalization.
Absorbent mind
Montessori described the young child's behavior of effortlessly assimilating the
sensorial stimuli of his or her environment, including information from the senses,
language, culture, and the development of concepts with the term "absorbent mind".
She believed that this is a power unique to the first plane, and that it fades as the
child approached age six.
Sensitive periods
Montessori also observed periods of special sensitivity to particular stimuli during
this time which she called the "sensitive periods". In Montessori education, the
classroom environment responds to these periods by making appropriate materials
and activities available while the periods are active in the young child. She identified
the following periods and their duration:
• Acquisition of language—from birth to around six years old
• Interest in small objects—from around 18 months to three years old
• Order—from around one to three years old
• Sensory refinement—from birth to around four years old
• Social behavior—from around two and a half to four years old
Normalization
Finally, Montessori observed in children from three to six years old a psychological
state she termed "normalization". Normalization arises from concentration and focus
on activity which serves the child's developmental needs, and is characterized by the
ability to concentrate as well as "spontaneous discipline, continuous and happy
work, social sentiments of help and sympathy for others."
Multiple Intelligence
One of the differences between Dr. Montessori's approach to early childhood
education and the approach found in many primary schools is the adoption of
elements of the Multiple Intelligence Theory. Harvard professor Howard Gardner
developed and codified this theory in the late 20th Century. Dr. Maria Montessori
would seem to have developed her approach to teaching children along very similar
lines. This educational approach was also used in ancient India as mentioned in the
Indian Texts, the Upanishads.

3. Frequently Asked Questions
Are Montessori children successful later in life?
Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life
academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized
tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following
directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing
responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, self-
help and adapting to new situations.
Do Montessori Schools follow an Academic Year (eg. June to May)?
In Montessori schools, help is offered based on the biological age of the child. Dr.
Montessori talks about the interest spurts children have at different ages. Again we
offer one on one teaching in a class room. When a teacher plans a child's lesson, the
child's age and what he has already learnt in the past are important. The concept of
Academic Year and the Program as Mont 1 or Mont 2, etc. are only for
administrative purposes. The curriculum is continuous and is offered at the speed at
which the child learns.
What special training do Montessori teachers have?
A Montessori Primary teacher must have completed a one year diploma in Primary
Montessori education with a recognized Montessori Institute. It is preferable that she
holds a Bachelor's degree and has good communication skills.
Why do Montessori classrooms have mixed age group?
This is in accordance with the Montessori Philosophy. It is of great help to the child
in his social and language development. It gives him a wonderful opportunity to
work as a team, sometimes to lead, sometimes to follow, learn from an older child,
help the younger child, interact with peers, etc. At any point in time, there will be
older children from whom the younger child picks up languages.
Is it true that Montessori children start writing late and have a bad
handwriting?
The Montessori curriculum offers systematic motor and intellectual preparation for
the child. We expect the child to start writing at the age of 4. The activities of the
Montessori school offers extensive gross and fine motor preparation which is the
basis for writing. With that kind of help and preparation, unless there is a biological
problem, the child will write.

4. What is the best way to choose a Montessori school for my child?
Ask if the Principal and teachers are Montessori trained. Visit the school, observe
the classroom in action and later ask the teacher or Principal to explain the theory
behind the activities you saw.