Montessori: Let the Child Be the Guide

Inherited from Maria Montessori in 1907, the Montessori Method is a child-centered educational approach celebrating and nurturing each child's desire to learn – an approach valuing the human spirit and full child development: physical, social, emotional and cognitive. The Montessori Method is increasing in popularity and more and more Montessori schools are opening up around the world. Curious to see how the Method works first hand, filmmaker Alexandre Mourot sets his camera up in the oldest Montessori school in France (with kids from 3 to 6 years of age) and observes. He meets happy children, free to move around, working alone or in small groups. Some read, others make bread, do divisions, laugh or sleep. The teacher remains discreet. Children guide Mourot through the whole school year, helping him understand the magic of their autonomy and self-esteem – the seeds of a new society of peace and freedom, which Maria Montessori dedicated her life work to.