Montessori Method of Teaching: Why it Works

The educational methodology of Maria Montessori emerged more than a century ago. Today, it is used worldwide by both specialized schools and regular parents who aim to provide their children with everything they need. Maria Montessori initially tested her approach in classrooms with children with special needs. Within a year, it became evident that these classes not only caught up academically with their peers but sometimes even surpassed them. The children demonstrated initiative, independence, self-care skills, and the ability to perform age- and ability-appropriate practical tasks. So, what exactly did the scientist give these children that made this approach so effective? And does it work just as well in classrooms with typically developing children? Spoiler: yes, it works, and it works exceptionally well!

Understanding the Montessori Method

To understand the answer to the question, why Montessori works, we need to explore the key foundations on which this approach is built.

What is the Montessori Method of Teaching? Core Principles

The Montessori method of teaching differs somewhat from traditional and widely accepted methods.

The origin of the Montessori method led the scientist to structure classroom learning in a specific way. She designed the learning environment to be both flexible and structured, attempted to consider the needs and characteristics of each child, and made her role as a teacher easier by granting children more independence than in conventional education systems. Surprisingly, this approach worked even better than expected.

What Did Maria Montessori Do Differently?

1. She introduced a child-centered approach to education. Even among peers of the same age, children may have different interests, levels of motivation, and developmental needs. Instead of trying to standardize the approach for everyone, Montessori moved away from rigid curricula.

2. Children cannot sit still for long periods and passively absorb dry information. Instead, the Montessori method of teaching encourages learning through play, practical activities, self-care skills, and connection with nature.

3. In traditional classrooms, children sit at desks all day. In a Montessori classroom, a child can sit at a desk, move to a reading corner to browse books, or engage in physical activities. The prepared environment offers a variety of activities. However, children must also respect classroom rules and the learning space of others. This principle helps develop self-discipline, responsibility, and respect for others.

Can You Implement the Montessori Method of Teaching at Home?

The approach is highly flexible, making it suitable not only for educational institutions but also for home environments. Parents, like teachers, can encourage their children to engage in various activities, ensure their rooms have different functional areas, and avoid criticism or judgment over mistakes. Instead, they can focus on their child's successes.

Parents can observe their child's progress and introduce more complex concepts only when the child is ready. In terms of developing practical skills, home provides even more opportunities. Children can:

• Water plants,

• Learn to fasten buttons or tie shoelaces,

• Set the table with their parents,

• Practice self-care tasks like brushing teeth and combing hair,

• Engage in kitchen activities such as pouring, sifting, or scooping,

• Wipe up spilled water,

• Make their bed before sleeping, and much more.

Home is where children have the greatest opportunity to acquire practical skills essential for developing independence. Various Montessori books and parenting guides offer insights on how to encourage this development, organize a child’s space, and provide meaningful activities to keep them engaged.

The Science Behind Montessori

Scientific research provides compelling evidence of the effectiveness of the Montessori method.

Brain Development

Studies show that sensory and motor activities stimulate synaptic connections, improving fine motor skills and memory. Neuropsychologists emphasize the direct link between sensory play and a child's ability to absorb new information, focus, and develop emotional self-regulation.

When children have independence in their learning, their prefrontal cortex—the brain area responsible for decision-making and problem-solving—is more actively engaged. By allowing children to follow their interests and focus on subjects that truly intrigue them, parents lay the foundation for intrinsic motivation.

Learning Environment

A calm atmosphere, harmonious neutral colors, and a clear division of the space into functional zones all contribute to better focus and memory retention. The child encounters fewer stressors and avoids sensory overload, which allows for deeper engagement in learning and better outcomes driven by genuine curiosity and readiness to cooperate.

The Montessori environment also promotes multisensory learning, where children see, touch, manipulate objects, and apply concepts in practice. "What the hands do, the mind remembers." This type of learning environment engages all the senses without overstimulation, ensuring balance and effectiveness.

Social and Emotional Benefits

Another reason why the Montessori method of teaching works is the opportunity for children to interact with peers, older children, and younger ones. From an early age, they become part of a diverse social environment and learn to navigate it. They observe and mimic behavior, develop communication skills, and gradually understand how to manage conflicts. Such children grow up socially engaged, which directly influences their ability to integrate into society later in life.

Studies show that social skills and emotional intelligence in Montessori graduates are above the average level. As a result, these children grow into adults who can build strong relationships with friends, family, and colleagues.

On the psychological side, tests reveal that emphasizing a child’s strengths and achievements provides multiple benefits:

• Better self-awareness, understanding of interests, and strengths,

• Stable and realistic self-esteem,

• The ability to make choices in challenging situations,

• A sense of responsibility.

This leads to greater career and personal success and a lower likelihood of experiencing depression or anxiety.

Why the Montessori Method Works?

The science behind Montessori clearly explains, from the perspectives of neurobiology, neuropsychology, classical psychology, and psychotherapy, why this method is effective. Its success lies in early implementation, often from birth. At this stage, parents and educators can guide behavior, develop foundational skills, and even address conditions like cerebral palsy, ADHD, and other developmental differences.

The method takes a holistic approach, focusing not only on academic success but also on all aspects of child development. It is not just about learning – it is about raising confident, capable individuals. Because it is always an individualized, flexible approach tailored to the specific child, the Montessori method of teaching is highly effective.

Real-life examples illustrate its impact. For instance, Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin were both Montessori-educated. They credit their Montessori education with shaping their problem-solving mindset. Of course, not every Montessori graduate creates a tech empire, but parents who have tried this approach consistently report satisfaction with both the learning process and the results.

Conclusion

If you are unsure whether this method works, you lose nothing by trying it, giving it some time, and observing the results. Explore Montessori education further—whether by enrolling your child in a Montessori school or incorporating its principles at home. Give it a chance and see what new possibilities it opens up for your child!