Montessori Learning Center of Edison Park

There have been many different philosophies of education besides that of Maria Montessori; however, her view of a child was unique. She viewed children as more than adults to be. We ought not to consider the child and the adult merely as successive phases in the individuals life. We ought rather to look upon them as two different forms of human life, going on at the same time and exerting upon one another a reciprocal influence.

Maria Montessori saw that not only is the child dependent on the adult for protection and care, but also the adult being dependent on the child for the future.
Montessori had great respect and thought for children. Montessori schools are designed with respect towards the child. The design of the schools benefit the developmental and social needs of the children as well as the adults who build them. They are built to not only appeal to a childs sense of order and beauty but also to help the adult see through the childs eyes.

While observing children Montessori saw that children have sensitive periods in their development. In these sensitive periods children are especially able to absorb and retain certain kinds of knowledge, especially knowledge regarding new skills. This observation of a childs development is what the Montessori educational materials are based upon. These materials give children hands-on experience with cultural and academic concepts as well as practical activities. Education was viewed as a natural process that develops in a prepared environment in Montessoris eyes. She described her method of teaching as an aid to life. This viewpoint enhances the goal of supporting the growth of a child as well as his/her independence.