The Montessori philosophy

Dr. Maria Montessori was an Italian physician, educator, philosopher and humanitarian. Her life work began in 1907, when she opened her famous "Casa dei Bambini" or "Children’s House". Through her observations and work with children she discovered their astonishing, almost effortless ability to learn.

Maria Montessori’s philosophy is based on scientific observation of the child at various stages of development: infancy, childhood, adolescence and maturity. She devoted herself to developing an understanding of the unborn child to the three year old, after she had already developed the 3-6 and 6-12 year old programs.

The 0-3 period is a time of great connections between the physical and psychic/mental development of the child. There are two aspects to the learning process, maturation and experiences, which the child is absorbing in the environment.

There are three key terms that Maria Montessori used to explain her pedagogy or philosophy of teaching: the absorbent mind, the sensitive periods and the prepared environment.

The absorbent mind

The child from birth to three years of age possesses a very specific kind of mind that unconsciously and effortlessly absorbs all that is in the environment. The absorbent mind is transitory and only present in infancy. The purpose of the absorbent mind is the child’s adaptation to the culture and the environment. All learning that occurs at this time is of a permanent nature.

Sensitive periods

The sensitive periods refer to a period of time when the child has a special sensibility to acquire a particular trait. The sensitive periods for the birth to the three year old child are:

  • Language
  • Movement
  • Order

The absorbent mind and the sensitive periods work together to assist the child to adapt to its culture and time in history.

The prepared environment

The prepared Montessori environment is a place where the child's development needs are met. It provides the opportunity for the child to develop their potential and to satisfy their needs. The prepared home and school environment can assist the child to develop their full potential as a human being.

Characteristics and needs of the 18 month to 3 year old

  • Movement
  • Language
  • Repetition of activity
  • Attention to detail
  • Order - in place and routine

The purpose of the Infant Community Program

The Infant Community aims to provide the child with the opportunity to work/play in an environment that is specially prepared for the 18 month to 3 year old child.

The environment created is based on the child’s need for order, movement and language.

Through various activities the child is offered the opportunity to develop and meet needs in the following areas:

  • Practical Life
  • Fine and gross motor co-ordination activities
  • Language
  • Music
  • Art

These activities provide for:

  • Repetition
  • Refinement of movement
  • Development of concentration
  • Development of the will (giving choices)
  • Independence
  • Development of language

Parent education

Parent education will be facilitated through observations and parent evenings. For more information, see Parent resources and/or contact the Directress via email at directress@mmu3.org.au.