The Montesssori approach to early childhood education

Montessori classrooms are full of hands-on activities and age-appropriate materials that spark curiosity and get kids thinking. Whether it’s through sensory work, practical life tasks, or simple problem-solving activities, children learn to make connections and ask questions.

Children are given time and space to think through problems and make decisions on their own. It’s not about rushing to the right answer – it’s about building the tools to get there. Over time, this boosts confidence and helps them become independent learners.

Montessori activities are designed to grab a child’s attention and hold it. Whether they’re sorting colours or threading beads, hands-on tasks like these help kids focus deeply on one thing at a time.

Kids of different ages learn side by side in Montessori. Children often work together on activities and projects, which gives them a chance to share ideas, learn from each other and feel like part of a team. It helps them understand how to cooperate and communicate in a respectful way. The mix of ages gives younger children role models to look up to and lets older students take on mentoring roles.

The ability to communicate effectively is such an important part of growing up. It helps children express how they feel, ask for what they need and connect with others. In a Montessori classroom, children are gently encouraged to speak up, share their thoughts and listen to what others have to say. Whether they’re chatting with a classmate or having a conversation with a teacher, they’re learning how to communicate clearly and build confidence.

Figuring out how to manage and regulate emotions is a big part of growing up. As children play and spend time with others, they naturally run into moments where they must deal with things like frustration, taking turns or not getting their way. These everyday ups and downs help them start to understand their feelings, learn how to pause before reacting and find calmer ways to work through things.

Empathy is an important social skill that enables children to understand the feelings of others and be sensitive to their needs. Through various activities, children learn to understand and appreciate the feelings and viewpoint of others.

Disagreements are a normal part of growing up, and in Montessori, they’re seen as learning opportunities. Children are gently guided to talk things through, listen to each other and come up with solutions together. These early lessons in peaceful problem-solving are a big part of social growth.

When children play, their brains are busy at work. Whether they’re building with blocks, doing activities that require sorting or matching, or solving a puzzle, they’re developing critical thinking, boosting their memory and problem-solving skills and improving their attention spans.

Play is a natural way for children to build friendships and learn how to get along with others. In Montessori classrooms, group activities and imaginative role play help children practice cooperation, patience and empathy. They also learn how to resolve small conflicts and express themselves.

Through play, children start to understand and manage their emotions. For example, children are given the freedom to choose their tasks, but they are also taught to complete what they start. Montessori supports emotional growth by giving children a safe space to explore their feelings, work through challenges and build resilience in everyday ways.

Montessori play also helps children develop strength, coordination and control over their bodies. Activities like climbing, balancing, dancing and even threading beads help them improve everything from big movements to fine motor skills like pencil grip. These are the kinds of skills that support both school learning and everyday independence.