Montessori developed the Montessori method through years of observation, experimentation, and practice. She worked with children from a variety of backgrounds and studied their behavior and learning patterns. Through her work, she noticed that children have a natural curiosity and desire to learn, and she believed in giving children freedom within a structured environment, allowing them to learn at their own pace and pursue their interests.  She emphasized hands-on learning, self-directed activities, and the use of specially designed materials to foster independence, critical thinking, and social skills. 

Although the structure of routine remains an important part of our Local Stream’s approach, Maria Montessori’s unique curriculum based on her observations of young children and their natural inclination is incorporated into the classroom environment and learning in Little Dalton’s Local Stream to mirror Montessori’s respect for the child, and her goals of nurturing independence, and fostering a love of learning.

Montessori’s student and colleague, Helen Parkhurst, went on to develop the ‘Dalton Laboratory Plan’, which is incorporated into learning in our school’s International Stream.  While Parkhurst’s work was distinct from the Montessori method, her collaboration with Montessori’s ideas contributed to the evolution of her educational theories and practices, which makes for a symbiotic partnership between approaches in Little Dalton’s Local and International Streams.