Montessori Education

What Is Montessori Education?

The Montessori Method is a philosophy of education that fosters independence, individuality, and a love of learning. In a hands-on, child-centered, multi-sensory classroom, children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.

The Harbor Montessori School Curriculum

At Harbor Montessori School, we recognize that children ages 2½ to 6 are naturally curious and eager to learn. Our goal is to nurture creativity, curiosity, and exploration within a traditional Montessori setting.

Our classrooms are student-led, with teachers serving as guides—observing, supporting, and introducing lessons when appropriate. The carefully prepared environment provides structure while allowing children the freedom to develop self-control, independence, and discipline through hands-on materials.

Each classroom is designed as a “child-sized world,” filled with purposeful materials that support development in key areas:

Practical Life
Sensorial
Language
Math
Cultural Studies

We also emphasize grace and courtesy, helping children build confidence, social awareness, and a strong sense of responsibility within their community.

Curriculum Areas

Practical Life
Activities such as pouring, spooning, dressing, and caring for the environment help children develop fine and gross motor skills, coordination, concentration, and independence—skills essential for both the classroom and everyday life.

Sensorial
Children refine their five senses by exploring differences in size, color, shape, sound, texture, weight, temperature, taste, and smell. These experiences build observation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

Language
Through hands-on materials and engaging activities, children develop vocabulary, communication skills, early writing, and reading—fostering a lifelong love of language.

Math
Math concepts are introduced concretely, beginning with basic numeration and progressing to operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—allowing children to explore math in a meaningful, hands-on way.

Cultural Studies
Children are introduced to geography, history, science, art, and world languages (including Spanish), often through seasonal or thematic unit studies.

Creative play, outdoor exploration, and lessons in grace and courtesy are woven into every school day.

The Montessori Classroom (Prepared Environment)

Montessori classrooms are calm, orderly, and intentionally designed. Materials are displayed on open, child-sized shelves, inviting children to choose and return work independently.

Instead of traditional desks, you’ll find child-sized tables, chairs, and open floor space for movement and exploration. This environment supports independence while encouraging self-discipline and focus.

Classrooms include mixed-age groups (3–6 years), creating a natural community where:

Younger children learn by observing older peers
Older children build confidence through mentoring
Collaboration is encouraged over competition

Because children remain in the same environment for multiple years, strong relationships and a deep sense of community develop.

The Role of the Montessori Teacher

In a Montessori classroom, the teacher is a guide rather than the center of attention. Children take an active role in their learning, while teachers observe, support, and gently direct as needed.

Teachers:

Prepare and maintain the learning environment
Introduce materials through clear, simple lessons
Encourage independence and concentration
Observe each child to understand their needs and development

A key principle of Montessori education is captured in the words of Maria Montessori:
“Help me to do it by myself.”

The ultimate goal is for the child to grow in confidence and capability, while the teacher gradually steps back.

Looking for More Information?

A great resource for families is the American Montessori Society.

Contact

Hannah Wayda - hwayda@brymca.org
Child Enrichment Director
207-633-2855 ext. 400