Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

These members of the George Headley Primary Kidz Club perform a drama item for 'Children's Own'.

And a child shall lead them. The Montessori method of education adheres to this premise.

The method is supposed to facilitate creating environments which "foster the fulfilment of their (children's) highest potential - spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual - as members of the world community," according to www.montessori.edu/method.html.

"Practising the Montessori method encourages the child to work on their own. The teacher follows the child," explained Sharon Marley, managing director of Total Care Learning Centre, which utilises this method of education.

Opening day

Speaking with Flair on the opening day of The Mom To Be and Baby Expo on August 9, she explained that they allow the children to set the focus of lessons. When a child shows fascination with a certain activity, the child is allowed to fully explore it, as opposed to moving them on to others because of a set schedule.

Commonly used with children from three to six years old, it ensures the utilisation of all the senses during learning. Children as young as two months and in some places, even teenagers, can benefit from the method.

Developed by an Italian physician, Dr Maria Montessori, in 1907, it's based on her scientific research of children and their learning processes.

Some basic components of the Montessori method include:

1. Classes include a mixture of age groups, usually in spans of six years, for example, 0-3, 3-6, 6-1; and the children also have a mixture of abilities.

2. Inside the classrooms, work areas are organised by subject matter and children are free to move around to different stations. They are not prevented from joining others in an activity.

3. Teachers do not use red marks or corrections on students' papers. Their effort is respected and the teacher observes and takes notes to better formulate upcoming projects for the child.

4. Teachers are specially trained to guide the children's progress and spot their readiness regarding interest in specific lessons and ability.

5. Subjects are not taught in isolation, but interwoven throughout the sessions.

Additional information from: www.montessori.edu/method.html