Dr. Montessori’s Philosophy to “Follow the Child” is Respectful to Children and Eliminates Competition, Facilitating a Peaceful Classroom Environment:

One of the most beautiful components of Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy is that teachers “follow the child” to his or her own potential. This means that teachers present individual lessons to children based on her own intellectual capabilities. Respect is given to the child to work at her own pace and the child is never compared to other students, nor in competition with other students. Students are safe to work within their individual work plans and with respect to their unique temperament and learning style.

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Peace in the Montessori Classroom – a ParentingTree Article