Montessori method

American  

noun

1. a system for teaching young children, in which the fundamental aim is self-motivated education by the children themselves, as they are encouraged to move freely through individualized instruction and physical exercises, accompanied by special emphasis on the training of the senses and the early development of reading and writing skills.

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Montessori method British  

noun

1. a method of nursery education in which children are provided with generous facilities for practical play and allowed to develop at their own pace

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Other Word Forms

• Montessorian adjective

Etymology

Origin of Montessori method

First recorded in 1910–15; named after M. Montessori

Example Sentences

I’m a former teacher, and I love the Montessori method and really wanted my daughter to foster a love of inquiry and learning before going off to what will likely be an academics-focused public school.

From Slate • Apr. 29, 2021

Maybe the school uses some Montessori-style methodologies, but it may not be a member of the American Montessori Society or adhere fully to the practices of the Montessori method.

From Slate • Jan. 21, 2021

Montessori is not a trademarked name, which means it is a label often given to thousands of day cares and preschools across the country—whether or not they follow the Montessori method.

From Slate • Dec. 18, 2018

His training has not been according to the equine Montessori method.

From Time Magazine Archive

She taught herself to read before she had reached womanhood, and taught herself by pure force of her will, adopting, curiously enough, what would now be described as the Montessori method.

From The Adventure of Living : a Subjective Autobiography by Strachey, John St. Loe