Children learn differently. Montessori makes room for that.
Montessori education gives children the time, environment, guidance, and hands-on experiences they need to develop independence, confidence, concentration, and a genuine love of learning.
What is Montessori?
More than a century ago, physician and educator Dr. Maria Montessori developed an approach to education based on careful observation of how children naturally learn. She saw that children thrive when they can actively participate in their learning rather than simply receive information.
That principle continues to shape Montessori classrooms today. Instead of spending the day sitting in rows and moving through the same lesson at the same time, children work within a carefully prepared classroom filled with materials designed for exploration and discovery.
They make choices. They move. They practice. They repeat. They concentrate. And with the guidance of a trained teacher, they gradually take greater ownership of their learning.
What does that actually look like for a child?
Learning they can touch.
Before many ideas become abstract, Montessori allows children to experience them concretely. A child learning numbers, for example, does not only see a symbol written on a page. They may hold materials, arrange them, compare quantities, see differences in length, and physically experience the relationship between numbers. The material makes the concept real before it becomes abstract.
Choice with purpose.
Montessori gives children meaningful choices within a thoughtfully prepared environment. That does not mean children simply do whatever they want. It means they learn to make decisions about their work, manage their time, care for materials, complete tasks, and take increasing responsibility for themselves. Over time, those everyday choices help build independence and self-discipline.
Teachers who observe before they direct.
The teacher's role in a Montessori classroom looks different. Teachers spend time observing each child: what interests them, what they have mastered, where they may need support, and when they are ready for something new. This allows learning to remain intentional without expecting every child to develop in exactly the same way.
Time to concentrate.
Children need time to become deeply engaged in meaningful work. The Montessori environment protects that time. Rather than constantly interrupting concentration to move everyone to the next activity, children have opportunities to work through a task, repeat it, solve problems, and experience the satisfaction of completing something independently.
Learning alongside different ages.
Montessori classrooms intentionally bring children of different ages together. Younger children learn by watching what older children can do. Older children strengthen their understanding, confidence, and leadership by helping younger classmates.
The classroom becomes a community of learners rather than a group of children expected to develop at exactly the same pace.
The skills extend far beyond the classroom.
Montessori helps children develop habits that support learning — and life.
Independence
“I can try.”
Concentration
“I can stay with something.”
Problem-solving
“I can figure this out.”
Responsibility
“I can care for myself, my work, and my environment.”
Confidence
“I am capable.”
Community
“My choices affect other people, too.”
These qualities develop gradually through everyday experiences, not simply through instruction.
The whole child matters.
At LGM, education is not limited to academics. We care about intellectual growth, but also about the child's emotional, social, physical, creative, and personal development. Children are given room to discover what interests them, recognize their own capabilities, learn from mistakes, work with others, and develop confidence in who they are becoming.
We do not ask every child to become the same kind of learner. We help each child develop the tools to become more fully themselves.
Montessori at LGM
LGM has practiced Montessori education in Brooklyn since 1973. Our classrooms use authentic Montessori materials and practices while honoring the individual children and diverse community those classrooms serve. The best way to understand Montessori isn't simply to read about it. It's to see children working.
