What concept is central to Montessori's educational approach?

The central concept of Montessori's educational approach is hands-on learning and exploration. This method emphasizes the importance of experiential education, where children learn through direct interaction with their environment and materials. In a Montessori setting, children are encouraged to engage with various educational tools and resources at their own pace, fostering independence, creativity, and a love for learning.

The hands-on aspect allows children to explore concepts concretely before moving towards abstract thinking, promoting deeper understanding and retention of knowledge. Montessori classrooms are designed to be child-centered, with materials that facilitate learning through exploration, observation, and discovery, aligning perfectly with the philosophy that children learn best by doing. This approach also emphasizes mixed-age classrooms where children can learn from one another, further enhancing their learning experience through collaboration and social interaction.