Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was the first woman to graduate from Medical School in Rome, Italy. Not long after this, she committed her life to observing young children, developing equipment and methods of teaching that would meet the needs of the whole child, educating adults who work with children, and promoting peace.

Dr. Montessori believed that education should be an AID TO LIFE. Among the needs of the young child, she emphasized the need to move and manipulate, to develop language skills, to use all the senses, to become independent, to have love, security and discipline, and to have an orderly environment.

At Tots and Tales Montessori School, we pride our dedication and consistency through “prepared environments”. These environments provide the maximum independent learning and exploration for each child.

Each classroom, utilizes age-appropriate learning materials arranged in inviting, low and open shelving. During work time, students may select whatever work they would like to do. Once the child has lost interest in that “work”, they are encouraged to select another activity.

The Montessori education includes hands-on, sensorial activities. Knobbed cylinders, puzzles, blocks of varying sizes and other self correcting materials make up a Montessori classroom.

As children get older, the same learning materials are utilized, but in a more complex and challenging way.

Children thrive on structure. This type of learning is so practical to daily life. Skills learned will carry over into elementary school and beyond. Providing such a diverse means of learning increases children’s creativity and social skills, as well as academic integrity.