The Montessori Principles

Montessori is not just about Montessori materials ... it's a way of life. It's about who you are, how you think, and what you feel. It's about allowing yourself to think freely, to love learning, to solve problems, to care for and respect others, and to value the Earth.

Even if you're not offering your children a pure Montessori environment filled with Montessori materials, it's important to understand the Montessori Principles. The following 8 principles can be applied to your life and home.

1. Movement and cognition are closely entwined, and movement can enhance thinking and learning.
2. Learning and well-being are improved when people have a sense of control over their lives.
3. People learn better when they are interested in what they are learning.
4. Tying extrinsic rewards to an activity (money for high grades) negatively impacts motivation to engage in that activity when the reward is withdrawn.
5. Collaborative arrangements can be very conducive to learning.
6. Learning situated in meaningful contexts is often deeper and richer than learning in abstract contexts.
7. Particular forms of adult interaction are associated with more optimal child outcomes.
8. Order in the environment is beneficial to children.