The Philosophy of Montessori
Montessori education is based upon the premise that freedom and discipline are qualities that must be developed within each child. Without discipline, the child is not free. An undisciplined individual is enslaved by immediate desires that often do not serve as building blocks for a fulfilled and accomplished life. With freedom as the goal, the Montessori approach helps the child master his or her own behavior by providing carefully constructed materials in a stimulating environment. These ideas are not lofty theories. Rather, they have been realized in ordinary ways in Montessori classrooms all over the world.
The Philosophy of Fort Worth Montessori School
In the broadest sense, the purpose of FWMS is to provide an environment that respects and nurtures a child’s inner drive toward maturation and learning. In addition to educators, teachers act as guides, counselors, resource persons, and friends. All children bring their own energies and intensity to the adventure of learning: an interest and enthusiasm for learning that any visitor can see. Thus, while even the youngest children may receive specific lessons in certain areas, the main emphasis is on preparatory activities designed to develop a readiness for eager learning later in life.
The purpose of Fort Worth Montessori School is to work with parents to help children develop foundations for a lifetime of creative learning and to develop the basic ideas, attitudes and skills essential for success in school and life. Children acquire a thirst for learning, favorable attitudes toward school, positive habits of concentration, initiative, order, persistence, originality, functional creativity, and above all-clear perceptions. Children participate in purposeful, real and meaningful activities that invite discussion and discovery as well as logical conclusions.
Uniquely designed materials, apparatus, and activities are prepared and provided for each age group to meet children’s developmental needs. Children’s strengths are recognized and noted and the adults find ways to help them develop more fully in these areas. Children’s weak areas are noted, and the adults find ways to help them develop more fully in these areas. Children are encouraged to grow at a rate and in a way that best helps their development rather than in competition with other children.
Finally, FWMS is here to serve parents and the needs of the children. We can best do this by serving as a family-type school. We intend for this to be a home away from home, as well as a high quality educational center. In mixed-age groups, like a family or a neighborhood, children have a chance to progress from youngest to middle to oldest child. In a non-competitive social environment, children learn from older models and progress in developing of leadership roles. Remaining in the same class for several years fosters security, confidence, meaningful (rather than casual) relationships, and an intimate understanding between teachers, parents, and children of individual capabilities and needs.
