An Introduction to the Montessori Method

Since 2006, Dr. Christine Johns has served as the Superintendent of Utica Community Schools (UCS) in Macomb County, Michigan. As superintendent, Dr. Christine Johns oversees a number of educational programs within the district, including a K-6 Montessori program.

Developed more than 100 years ago by Dr. Maria Montessori, the Montessori Method focuses primarily on the natural desire of children to learn and explore the world around them. The teacher prepares an appropriate learning environment for children and then encourages them to act independently within it. Although teachers create the setting, children ultimately have the freedom to choose how they engage with their surroundings.

Multiage groupings are also a key element of the Montessori Method. This gives older children the opportunity to model learning behaviors and share knowledge with their younger peers, much like in the real world where people interact with individuals of all ages and experience levels. As a result, Montessori education teaches children to think critically and work collaboratively, which sets them up for continued success for years to come.