The Montessori Method
What Is Montessori / The Montessori Method?
The Montessori Method is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. It is designed primarily for young children (typically ages 2.5–6) and emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and respect for each child’s natural development.
At the heart of Montessori education is the belief that children learn best when they are free to choose meaningful work that aligns with their interests and developmental needs. Teachers act as guides rather than traditional instructors: observing, supporting, and introducing lessons that help children take ownership of their learning.
Montessori classrooms prioritize:
• Freedom of choice and movement: Children are not required to sit at desks or follow the same lesson at the same time. They
move freely, choose their work from shelves, and decide how long to engage with each activity.
• Hands-on, natural materials: Learning materials are made from real, raw materials such as wood, glass, and metal. These
provide natural feedback and sensory experiences. Technology and plastic learning tools are intentionally avoided.
• Individualized learning: Each child progresses at their own pace. Because children work with different materials, competition
and comparison are minimized.
• Responsibility and order: Children return materials exactly as they found them, reinforcing care, independence, and respect
for the environment.
A defining feature of Montessori education is mixed-age classrooms, typically spanning ages 2.5 to 6. This reflects real-life communities and encourages social development. Younger children learn by observing older peers, while older children build leadership skills by helping younger classmates. Over time, each child experiences being the youngest, middle, and oldest in the group which helps to foster empathy, confidence, and a deeper understanding of social roles.
Overall, the Montessori Method aims to develop not only academic skills, but also life skills which helps children grow into independent, capable, and compassionate members of society.
AMI Montessori Training
AMI Training refers to the teacher education program offered by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), the organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori herself in 1929 to preserve the integrity of her educational method.
AMI training is considered the most authentic and faithful preparation in the Montessori Method. The lessons taught in AMI schools today are the same lessons developed and taught by Dr. Montessori, passed down with precision and care.
The training prepares aspiring Montessori teachers through:
• A deep study of the history and philosophy of Montessori education
• In-depth child development coursework
• Comprehensive instruction in all Montessori curriculum areas, including
Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, and Language
• Extensive supervised practice, observation, and teaching rehearsals
• Rigorous examinations to ensure mastery and accurate presentation of Montessori lessons
Through this thorough and demanding process, AMI training ensures that teachers are not only knowledgeable, but fully prepared to deliver the Montessori Method as it was originally intended by respecting the child, the materials, and the developmental process.