Montessori pedagogy

Are you looking for a place where your child can settle in peacefully, feel safe – and at the same time explore the world with curiosity? At Montessori & Friends Education, we support children using a modern yet authentic Montessori approach. The focus is on trusting in your child’s inner strengths: they are free to choose for themselves, try things out for themselves and grow at their own pace. We are consistent in this approach. For us, Montessori education is not a project, because it shapes our work with every child, every day, in every room.

The prepared environment

In Montessori children’s houses, the space plays a special role: it is ‘prepared’ so that children can easily find their way around and do as much as possible independently. For parents, this often means that even on their first visit, the space feels calm, clear and inviting. For children, it means: “I know where to find things – and I can get them on my own.” This independence not only builds skills but also boosts self-confidence.

Order that provides security: every item has its own designated place – this helps children find inner calm and orient themselves easily.
Child-friendly furnishings: Shelves, tables and workstations are designed so that children can act independently – without constantly asking, “Can you help me?”.
Less is more: We ensure an environment that stimulates but does not overwhelm. This creates space for concentration, deep learning and a genuine joy in learning.
Bilingualism in everyday life: German and English are visible and audible in our environment – quite naturally, without pressure and without feeling like a ‘lesson’.

In the Montessori Children’s Houses run by Montessori & Friends Education, all group rooms are in accordance with international Montessori quality standardsdesigned and equipped .

„One must adapt the child’s environment so that he can find in it all the elements necessary for the stages of his development, can linger and find the help he needs’“
(M. Montessori)

„To inspire life—and then let it develop freely—this is our primary task.”“
(M. Montessori)

Independant work and the material

Independent work is at the heart of our Montessori approach. Throughout the morning, children decide for themselves what they want to do – and for how long. Some children immerse themselves in a task for a long time, others switch activities more often: both are part of their development. We provide the time, calm and clear rules for getting along with others to make this possible. This allows your child to experience: “I can choose. I can stick with it. I can do it.”

The Montessori materials support this independent activity in a special way. They make learning tangible – in the truest sense of the word. Many materials lead from concrete actions (grasping, sorting, building) to abstract concepts (understanding of numbers, language, logical thinking). Self-correction is often built in: children realise for themselves whether something fits – and correct it of their own accord.

Choosing for themselves – growing for themselves: children learn at their own pace and according to their interests, without constant comparisons.
Focused rather than timed: We ensure longer periods of work so that genuine deepening of understanding is possible.
Meaningful materials: Clear, aesthetically pleasing, comprehensive – and selected to encourage independent activity.
Materials in two languages: As a bilingual institution, we present materials in German or English and offer the children German- and English-language developmental materials.

Authentic Montessori education requires a comprehensive range of materials. We therefore always equip all our children’s houses with in accordance with international Montessori standards learning and developmental materials .

The role of the Montessori teacher

You may be familiar with the Montessori saying: “Help me to do it myself.” This is exactly how we understand our role. Montessori teachers are not “entertainers”, but attentive guides. We observe, listen, provide guidance at the right moment – and then consciously step back. At the same time, we ensure that your child experiences protection, guidance and reliable relationships.

We really see your child: through observation, we identify interests, strengths and the next steps in their development – without jumping to conclusions.
We give clear, concise demonstrations: this way, your child learns how to use the materials and can then continue working independently.
We protect concentration: We ensure a respectful atmosphere and help children not to disturb one another.
We live and breathe language: German and English are spoken in real-life situations – when greeting, telling stories, comforting, marvelling and discovering.

The “Montessori Diploma” is a multi-year additional training programme for early years professionals. It promotes educational work based on the Montessori approach and trains staff in the use of learning and development materials. Montessori & Friends Education encourages and supports in obtaining the Montessori Diplomaour early years professionals , both financially and through our own Montessori Academy Berlin. As a result, around two-thirds of our educational staff in the children’s houses currently hold a Montessori Diploma or are currently undergoing training.

„The child does what you do, not what you tell him to do“

(M. Montessori)

About Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori (1870–1952) was a doctor and educator. In her work, she observed children very closely – and developed an approach that remains compelling to this day: children want to learn. To do so, they do not need constant guidance, but rather trust, suitable materials and an environment that enables them to be independent. Her guiding principle, “Help me to do it myself”, is not just a nice slogan for us, but a way of life we put into practice every day.

Montessori & Friends Education stands for Montessori adapted to the present day: with high professional standards, genuine authenticity and an understanding of the lives of modern families. Our bilingual approach (German/English) is not an optional extra, but an integral part of our daily interactions – so that children can absorb language playfully, naturally and with joy.

Curious? We’d be delighted to tell you more about our daily routine, free work, our materials and our bilingual approach – and show you how children are ‘allowed to grow up’ with us.

Literature references

Davies / Uzodike: The Montessori Child, Workman Publishing, 2024
Janssen, Hans: Kinder brauchen Klarheit, Herder, Freiburg 1998
Klein-Landeck, Michael: Freie Arbeit bei Maria Montessori, Lit-Verlag, Münster 2004
Liebich, Daniela: Mit Kindern richtig lernen, Herder, Freiburg 2004
Montessori, Maria, übers. von Schulz-Benisch, Günter u. Oswald, Paul [Hrsg.]: Die Entdeckung des Kindes, Herder, Freiburg 2004
Montessori, Maria: Kinder sind anders, Deutscher Taschenbuch Verlag, München 2005
Montessori, Mario: Erziehung zum Menschen, Fischer, Frankfurt 2000
Ludwig, Harald: Basiswissen Grundschule Bd. 15 – Montessori-Schulen und ihre Didaktik, Schneider, 2008