Together We Grow
Montessori Parent Guide
Dr. Maria Montessori was an Italian physician, educator, and pioneer in child development. Her observations of children led to the creation of the Montessori Method, one of the world's most respected approaches to early childhood education. Today, Montessori schools serve millions of children in over 140 countries.
The Woman Behind Montessori
Dr. Maria Montessori (1870–1952) was an Italian physician, educator, and scientist whose observations of children transformed the way the world understands early childhood education. Rather than asking how teachers could better instruct children, she asked a different question: How do children naturally learn? Her search for the answer led to the development of the Montessori Method, one of the world's most respected educational approaches.
At a time when education was largely based on memorization and teacher-directed instruction, Dr. Montessori believed that children learn best through curiosity, purposeful activity, movement, and independence. She carefully observed children's behaviour, interests, and developmental needs, allowing scientific observation—not tradition—to shape her educational philosophy.
Today, more than a century later, Montessori education is practiced in thousands of schools across more than 140 countries. Her principles continue to inspire educators and families who value respectful relationships, hands-on learning, and environments that encourage children to become confident, capable, and lifelong learners.
THE BIRTH OF THE MONTESSORI METHOD
In 1907, Dr. Maria Montessori was invited to work with a group of children living in one of Rome's poorest neighbourhoods. Rather than using traditional teaching methods, she carefully observed how children naturally explored, solved problems, and learned from their surroundings.
She prepared a beautiful classroom filled with carefully designed learning materials that children could choose independently. Instead of sitting quietly and listening to lectures, children were free to move, work, repeat activities, and learn at their own pace within clear boundaries.
The classroom became known as the Casa dei Bambini, or "Children's House." The results surprised educators around the world. Children developed remarkable concentration, independence, self-discipline, kindness, and a genuine love of learning—all without rewards or punishments.
These observations became the foundation of what we now know as the Montessori Method, an educational approach that continues to influence schools in more than 140 countries today.
THE FIVE BIG DISCOVERIES
Through years of scientific observation, Dr. Maria Montessori discovered that children naturally learn in ways that were very different from traditional education at the time. These discoveries remain the foundation of Montessori classrooms around the world today.
During the first six years of life, children absorb language, movement, behaviour, and culture naturally from everything around them. Montessori classrooms are carefully prepared to make the most of this remarkable stage of development.
Children experience special windows of development when learning certain skills—such as language, movement, order, or writing—becomes easier and more enjoyable. Montessori teachers observe these moments and provide the right materials at the right time.
Everything in a Montessori classroom is intentionally designed for children. Furniture, learning materials, and daily routines encourage independence, confidence, responsibility, and exploration.
Montessori children enjoy the freedom to choose meaningful work while learning clear expectations, respect for others, responsibility, and self-discipline.
Rather than memorizing information, children learn by touching, moving, experimenting, and discovering with carefully designed Montessori materials before progressing to abstract thinking.
Perhaps Dr. Montessori's greatest discovery was that children thrive when adults treat them with respect, patience, encouragement, and trust. This philosophy continues to guide Montessori education today.
WHY MONTESSORI STILL MATTERS
Although Dr. Maria Montessori developed her educational approach more than one hundred years ago, many of her observations are now supported by modern research in child development, psychology, and neuroscience.
Today we know that young children learn best through active exploration, meaningful experiences, movement, repetition, and supportive relationships—not by sitting still and memorizing information. Montessori classrooms were designed around these principles long before modern brain research confirmed them.
Around the world, Montessori schools continue to help children develop the skills that matter most for lifelong success, including independence, confidence, concentration, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and a genuine love of learning.
At Together We Grow Montessori School, we combine Dr. Montessori's timeless philosophy with a warm, caring environment that supports every child's unique pace of development. Our goal is not simply to prepare children for kindergarten—it is to help them become capable, compassionate, and curious lifelong learners.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE MONTESSORI
Children learn to trust themselves by making choices, solving problems, and completing meaningful work independently.
Long, uninterrupted work periods help children develop concentration, persistence, and self-control.
Children learn to care for others, communicate kindly, and contribute positively to their classroom community.
Rather than learning for rewards or grades, children develop an internal motivation to explore and discover.
Montessori education encourages children to understand different cultures, appreciate nature, and become responsible global citizens.
The ultimate goal of Montessori is to nurture children who love learning throughout their lives—not only during their school years.
MONTESSORI AROUND THE WORLD
More than a century after Dr. Maria Montessori opened the first Children's House in Rome, Montessori education has grown into one of the world's most respected approaches to early childhood learning.
Today, Montessori schools can be found in more than 140 countries, serving children from infancy through adolescence. While each school reflects its own local culture, they all share the same core principles: respect for the child, independence, hands-on learning, and carefully prepared environments.
Montessori education is offered in public schools, private schools, childcare centres, and universities around the world. Families from many different cultures choose Montessori because its principles support children's natural curiosity, confidence, responsibility, and lifelong love of learning.
Whether a child is learning in Vancouver, Tokyo, London, Sydney, or Rome, the Montessori classroom offers a familiar environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow into capable, compassionate individuals.
MONTESSORI TODAY
Montessori education is practiced across every continent and continues to grow around the world.
Public schools, independent schools, and childcare centres all use Montessori principles to support children's development.
Families continue choosing Montessori because children develop confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning.
A LASTING LEGACY
Dr. Maria Montessori passed away in 1952, but her educational philosophy continues to shape classrooms around the world. Her greatest legacy is not simply the Montessori Method—it is a new way of seeing children. She believed that every child is naturally capable, curious, and deserving of respect.
Rather than asking children to adapt to the classroom, Dr. Montessori encouraged educators to create environments that support children's natural development. Her ideas challenged traditional education and introduced a more thoughtful approach based on observation, independence, and trust.
Today, Montessori education continues to help children develop confidence, concentration, creativity, responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning. These qualities remain just as important in the 21st century as they were over one hundred years ago.
At Together We Grow Montessori School, we are proud to carry forward Dr. Montessori's vision by creating a carefully prepared environment where children are encouraged to explore, make choices, solve problems, and develop at their own pace. Every classroom experience reflects our commitment to respecting each child's unique potential.
Reading about Montessori is a wonderful beginning, but seeing a Montessori classroom in person brings Dr. Maria Montessori's vision to life. We invite you to visit Together We Grow Montessori School and discover how our prepared environment helps children become confident, curious, and independent learners.
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