Historically, the Montessori approach began as a post graduate research paper by Maria

Montessori on the intellectual development of children with developmental disabilities. She

began developing an environment that would typically help these students. Her approach

towards the intellectual development of children with disabilities was a huge success. She

immediately began moving her research towards children without disabilities. Her techniques

in creating a learning environment was extremely effective and helped children learn faster

and grasp new knowledge and skills easily. The Montessori approach is self-directive,

interactive and material oriented. The key feature involves a teacher observing the children

performing the selected tasks.
The main idea of Montessori approach towards education is based on the following premises:
• Children are capable of self-directed learning.
• By using teachers more as ‘observers’ than ‘lecturers’, key areas of development of a

student can be identified.
• Learning a skill (even sitting, walking, reading and counting) is natural in a

particularly sensitive period. Beyond this period it gets difficult and frustrating.
• Children aged below 6 have a better capacity to absorb concepts.
• Children should be the masters of the school room environment.
• Children learn better when they ‘discover’ things themselves.
• Children learn alone during periods of concentration. They are not to be disturbed by

teachers at this time.
• Children learn better if they touch and feel real material objects. This also aids in

better development of the brain

Implementing the Montessori approach as a part of homeschooling would first require the

creation of a good study environment. Children should be in a pleasing classroom that would

encourage them to study at their own pace. They should have easy access to outside

environment. It is considered good if the classroom has plants, windows and small pets, if

possible, to have an experience of the natural world while studying.

The studies in this approach are divided into distinct areas. ‘Practical life’ would allow

the children to develop a sense of care for themselves, others around them and nature.

Children learn how to perform daily activities like using basic kitchen utensils, dressing

up, doing chores, cleaning up and so on. The ‘Sensorial’ area concentrates on training the

senses. This is done through visuals, audio and other methods. Shapes, colors and sizes are

taught.

The Montessori approach emphasizes on learning the exact terminology for things being

taught. The ‘Cultural’ area covers topics on cultures all over the world. Pictures of other

nations, festivals, maps and other helpful materials can be used for this.