The Montessori method of teaching is based on giving the child freedom in a carefully prepared environment to choose his own activities, and the time to practise and repeat these activities as he wishes, and therefore enabling the child to develop the skills of concentration and independence through the enjoyment he experiences in his play.
I am therefore surprised that in a number of your articles that focus specifically on these skills - to name just two, 'All by myself' (1 November) on the Early Learning Goals' personal, social and emotional development, and 'Fully engaged' (15 November) on children's development of concentration - there is no mention of the Montessori method of teaching pre-school children, even though these articles promote the fundamental points of learning we offer in the Montessori nursery.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far on my course and, as the mother of a daughter who attended and flourished in a Montessori nursery, I believe that Montessori education can offer the child a truly wonderful experience in his early years and would like to see this recognised alongside other forms of nursery education.
Rachelle Burns Bournemouth, Dorset
