What Is Montessori? A Gentle Introduction for Curious Parents

May 1

At Little Hummingbirds, we believe in nurturing each child’s unique rhythm, curiosity, and confidence. One approach that beautifully aligns with these values is the Montessori method—a child-centered educational philosophy that has been inspiring families around the world for over a century. But what exactly is Montessori, and how does it work in a daycare setting?

The Heart of Montessori

The Montessori method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator who believed that children learn best in an environment that fosters independence, respect, and freedom—within clear and caring boundaries.

At its core, Montessori is about following the child. That means recognizing that every child learns at their own pace and deserves the time, space, and tools to explore the world in ways that are meaningful to them.

Key Principles of Montessori

Here are a few foundational ideas behind the Montessori method:

1. Prepared Environment

Montessori classrooms are calm, thoughtfully arranged spaces designed for children to explore independently. Materials are placed within easy reach so children can choose what they’d like to work with, encouraging autonomy and decision-making.

2. Hands-On Learning

Children are natural learners when they can engage their senses. Montessori materials are tactile and self-correcting—helping kids develop problem-solving skills while building confidence in their abilities.

3. Mixed-Age Groups

In many Montessori programs, children of different ages learn together. This creates a community where younger children learn from older peers, and older children reinforce their skills by mentoring others.

4. Respect for the Child

Montessori nurtures respect—both for the child as an individual and for their learning process. Educators observe more than they direct, stepping in only when needed, and always encouraging independence and intrinsic motivation.

Montessori in a Daycare Setting

You don’t need a full Montessori-certified school to benefit from the method’s gentle guidance. At Little Hummingbirds, we incorporate Montessori-inspired practices into our daily routines:

Child-led play and exploration
Simple, natural materials that encourage creativity
A peaceful rhythm to the day that promotes focus and calm
Support for independence—like self-serve snacks or dressing practice

Why Parents Love Montessori

Parents often find that Montessori supports not just academic learning but life skills: focus, patience, collaboration, and kindness. It’s an approach that helps children feel capable, valued, and joyful about learning.

Whether your child is stacking blocks, sweeping up a spill, or pouring water into a cup, in Montessori, every small task holds big lessons.