Our Philosophy: Freedom with Guidance

“The adult ought never to mold the child after himself, but should leave him alone and work always from the deepest comprehension of the child himself.” Dr. maria Montessori

At Planet Kids, our approach to early childhood education and care is aligned with the Montessori Philosophy. We believe that each child is a unique individual deserving utmost respect, honor and care. Each child has innate social, physical and intellectual capacity which can be developed within an atmosphere that encourages self paced learning and exploration, supports individuation and allows children to develop their own essential nature.

Within the balance of our carefully planned curriculum and prepared environment, children are given freedom with guidance. This is an essential element in the Montessori environment. Children are free to choose materials that are meaningful to them. Meaningful activities polarize the children’s attention as long as they correspond to the child’s inner needs. (Lillard, Montessori: A Modern Approach) Consequently, we seek to create real, sequential, hands on experiences for the children, immersing them in surroundings and activities that can be seen, heard, smelled, felt and used at the child’s level of understanding. We respect their choices so that they may begin to experience life as powerful and curious individuals. Their input is valued and incorporated into our curriculum building so that we can create environments that are meaningful and irresistible to them!

An interesting piece of work, freely chosen, which has the virtue of inducing concentration rather than fatigue, adds to the child’s energies and mental capacities, and leads him to self-mastery. The Absorbent Mind: Holt & Company, 1995: p. 207

The Montessori Philosophy and Method supports the following ten areas of development that you can expect to see in your child:

1. A joy of learning                  6. Concentration
2. Learning through discovery   7. Attachment to reality
3. Independence                      8. Love of order
4. Self-confidence                    9. Ability to choose
5. Self-discipline                      10. Enjoyment of quiet/spirituality