This post forms part of a series on why we have chosen to send our children to a Montessori school. The series is a summary of Dr Angeline Lillard’s book, “Montessori: The science behind the genius,” which covers the research supporting the Montessori method.

1. Movement and cognition are closely entwined, and movement can enhance thinking and learning
2. Learning and well-being are improved when people have a sense of control over their lives
3. People learn better when they are interested in what they are learning
4. Extrinsic rewards for an activity negatively impact on motivation to engage in that activity when the reward is withdrawn
5. Collaboration can be conducive to learning
6. Learning situated in meaningful contexts is often deeper and richer than learning in abstract contexts
7. Particular forms of adult interaction can lead to more optimal child outcomes
8. Order in the environment is beneficial to children

These are not all the principles of Montessori, but they are the ones which the book goes into detail about.