A number of quotations from Maria Montessori will give you a clue of what the Montessori method is all about. For many parents, having the right information about Montessori education is crucial before sending kids to school. Here are some basic facts you might be interested in.

Peace Education

The concepts of principles of Montessori stand out. Among those that are truly distinctive are the drive for total child education and cosmic awareness. One other educational thrust that is truly commendable is education for peace. Both the educator and the child become whole individuals who encourage lasting peace. This is a prime concept that has earned Montessori the admiration of the world for which she became a nominee for the Nobel Prize. Apparently though, teaching the promotion of peace may not always be the uncomplicated.

Human Needs

There are many activities, ways and means to push towards peace education. One important component however is the fundamental needs of humans. Montessori believed that all humans share common basic needs which, when met, help open the doors for human freedom, respect, cooperation and environmental accountability which are crucial for genuine peace.

Fundamental needs are divided into two. Humans start off with material needs. As you may have already guessed this includes more than just food and clothing. Humans also need shelter, safety and other factors that contribute to a secure and comfortable existence. The second fundamental need is spiritual in nature. When all the basic needs are provided, humans have a desire for artistic, cultural, social and religious expression and interaction.

Role of the Teacher

A Montessori educator is more than just a teacher. In the classroom she is considered a directress. The first duty of the directress is to build a classroom environment that encourages learning. This is not all though. The educator also stands as the primary role model for the students to emulate. This puts an additional responsibility on the shoulders of teachers. They are tasked to first understand and integrate the basic principles of Montessori education to become changed individuals who can become real models.

Role of the Child

The teacher as director is not a dictator. On the contrary she will have to reduce instances of interference. A Montessori teacher is primarily an observer. This is in support of the concept that children have the freedom of choice to learn in a manner and through activities that fit his inclinations. In this way, no child is forced into an uncomfortable and difficult situation.

As mentioned, the fundamental needs of humans and other Montessori principles cannot be learned instantly. By going through this brief primer, however, you have begun understanding what Montessori stood for.