The Montessori Method
Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) created the Montessori Method through scientific study based on the natural path of child development. She was a trailblazer in many aspects of her life, as the first woman to practice medicine in Italy and creating a new pedagogy. The first Montessori Classroom, Casa dei Bambini ("House of the Children"), was established in Rome, Italy in 1907. Today, there are Montessori programs for infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents on every continent except Antarctica!
The Montessori Method does not have a religious affiliation.
The term “Montessori” is widely used but not regulated, which can be confusing for families. Because it is a surname and cannot be trademarked, any program may call itself Montessori—regardless of whether it follows the philosophy, principles, or materials developed by Dr. Maria Montessori.
At Moss & Heart, we are committed to offering an authentic Montessori experience. All Lead Guides have completed training through programs accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), the organization founded by Dr. Montessori herself and recognized internationally as the gold standard in Montessori education. We also invest in the growth of our Assistant Guides, supporting their development as thoughtful, dedicated Montessorians.
3 Key Elements of a
Montessori Classroom
The Prepared Adult - The Montessori Guide possesses deep knowledge of child development and the connection between children and materials. Through patient observation, they develop a deep understanding of each child, fostering trust and supporting growth within the classroom environment.
"She must acquire a moral alertness which has not hitherto been demanded by any other system, and this is revealed in her tranquility, patience, charity, and humility. Not words, but virtues, are her main qualifications."
Dr. Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child, 151
The Prepared Environment - The classroom is both orderly and inviting, featuring materials perfectly sized and suited to each child's developmental level. We provide real glassware and functional tools - such as egg slicers, orange juicers, and tiny pitchers - allowing children to engage in hands-on learning. This thoughtful selection of materials enables children to explore and practice skills in a safe, unhurried environment.
"But in our specially prepared environments we see them all at once fix themselves upon some task, and then their excited fantasies and their restless movements disappear altogether; a calm, serene child, attached to reality, begins to work out his elevation through work. Normalisation has been achieved."
Dr. Maria Montessori, The Secret of Childhood, 162
Mixed Age Groups - In a classroom spanning ages 12 months to 3 years, older children naturally take on leadership roles, guiding and teaching younger peers while reinforcing their own skills and understanding. This dynamic fosters a strong sense of trust and community, as children learn to rely on themselves and each other—demonstrating to adults just how capable they truly are.
“There is a great sense of community within the Montessori classroom, where children of differing ages work together in an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competitiveness. There is respect for the environment and for the individuals within it, which comes through experience of freedom within the community.”
Dr Maria Montessori (as cited in Elizabeth Hainstock, 1986, p. 81 – The Essential Montessori)
Continuing Research
Research about the application and benefits of Montessori education is ever-growing.
One study by Dr. Angeline Lillard found that when the Montessori pedagogy is well-implemented (pure & true) children benefit far more - across several measures - as compared to conventional education. However, when Montessori classrooms are supplemented with non-Montessori materials and activities, students in these classrooms show little benefit as compared to conventional education. Takeaway: Implementation matters.
A more recent study, also by Dr. Lillard, surveyed adults ages 18-81 about schooling during childhood, taking into account and controlling for a variety of factors - e.g., ”age, gender, race, childhood SES, and years in private school”. A finding of positive correlations between children who spent two or more years in a Montessori Classroom and higher well-being as adults. Even when compared to children who attended other types of private schools their entire school career. Takeaway: Montessori education can create a healthy foundation for building the self. Note: findings are correlative, not causal.
Emotional Intelligence
Moss & Heart is committed to supporting Emotional Intelligence and Regulation in the young child.
Healthy emotional development is of utmost importance during the early years of life. Experiences before the age of three years are said to live within the body, meaning that an individual’s perspective of the world is largely created by how they are treated during this time. Around age 3 years, the child begins to build long-term memories through narratives, which are more easily accessed and understood into adulthood. Therefore, it is essential to provide responsive caregiving and enriching environments during these early years of life.
Our Guides understand that the young child is not manipulative. An upset child in our school will never be ignored to “teach independence”, as we understand these to be the moments when the child needs the adult’s attention most.
School rules can be generalized as refraining from behaviors that are…
Dangerous - towards the self or other individuals (physically & emotionally)
Disruptive - to the self or others
Destructive - towards the environment - e.g. materials, resources - in the classroom and world at large
Our teachers use positive communication to kindly redirect children, fostering both validation and a sense of safety within clear boundaries. We believe no child is bad; rather, we are all lifelong learners who benefit from patience, guidance, and a bit of grace along the way.
There are many who hold, as I do, that the most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six. For that is the time when man's intelligence itself, his greatest implement, is being formed. But not only his intelligence; the full totality of his psychic powers.
Dr. Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind, p. 21
Effective Communication
Spanish Language Exposure
We also cultivate a language-rich environment by introducing basic Spanish. Our morning assistant is a native Spanish speaker, and our Guide is learning alongside the children. As the children’s familiarity grows and our team’s confidence increases, we plan to thoughtfully expand our Spanish offerings over time.
American Sign Language (ASL)
ASL is used throughout our environment to empower young, non-verbal children to express themselves long before spoken language fully develops. Signing allows children to communicate needs, observations, and emotions, reducing frustration for both children and caregivers. It also encourages respectful interactions—such as asking a child before picking them up—and strengthens peer relationships by providing a shared, accessible way to communicate.
Moments such as a child joyfully signing about the wind or expressing discomfort from a skin irritation illustrate how ASL gives even our youngest learners a meaningful voice.
Once the child can speak, he can express himself and no longer depends on others to guess his needs. He finds himself in touch with human society, for people can only communicate by means of language.
Dr. Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind, p.78
At this time, the Guide’s level of ASL is conversational, with steps being taken to deepen knowledge to further support the children’s ability to use ASL in the classroom. Support will be offered to parents and families who are currently unfamiliar with ASL and wish to bring it into the home.
Valuing + Conserving Resources
At Moss & Heart Montessori, we are committed to valuing and conserving resources — using them as necessary, not as available to waste. This principle is woven into our daily practice and modeled for the children, helping them develop awareness, gratitude, and responsibility for the materials and natural resources around them.
Montessori education is, at its heart, education for peace. As an extension of this philosophy, we practice mindful sharing and resource use — taking what we need, when we need it, and ensuring there is enough for everyone.
In the classroom, materials are intentionally limited; there are not enough of each activity for every child to use at once. This reality helps children understand that resources are not infinite. They learn patience while waiting for a turn, respect for others’ work, and awareness of how their choices impact their community.
Operating a school naturally requires daily use of resources, such as dishwashing and laundry to maintain a clean environment. We make thoughtful choices to minimize waste and support sustainability — selecting natural materials like wood, fabric, and metal, which are not only aesthetically and sensorially pleasing but also more durable and recyclable than plastic.
We also strive to reduce consumption and landfill contributions by purchasing from low- or zero-waste stores such as Mama & Hapa’s, where we source hand soap, dish soap, dishwashing tablets, reusable cloths, and more. In all that we do, we aim to use environmentally friendly, eco-conscious, and health-conscious materials, supplies, and systems — modeling care for both our immediate environment and the world beyond our classroom.
Communication Tools
Transparent Classroom
Moss & Heart Montessori uses Transparent Classroom to track each child’s learning journey and progress. Guides log lessons, developmental milestones, and observations, giving families a clear view of skill growth and classroom engagement over time.
Brightwheel
The school also uses Brightwheel to keep families connected to daily routines and classroom activities. Parents receive updates on meals, nap times, toileting, and behavior, along with access to attendance records, school announcements, and tuition management.
