How is Montessori different? Is it affiliated with a religion?
Montessori is not a religion nor is it affiliated with a religion. It is named after Maria Montessori who championed a teaching philosophy of a child centered classroom at a time when classrooms were all about the teacher. Children sat at desks and were lectured to. Maria recognized that children were little scientists who, with the right environment and learning tools, could teach themselves and develop a love for learning in the process. She developed many wonderful lessons for children that are still used in Montessori classrooms today. Other curriculums have adopted aspects of Montessori such as mixed age classrooms and learning centers instead of desks, but a certified Montessori teacher brings all of the best of Montessori to a classroom, most importantly an emphasis on respect for classmates, the teacher, and our world.
