Montessori Pedagogy and Kintess: Fostering Autonomy and Curiosity
Kintess’ pedagogical and didactic approach, inspired by Montessori principles and enriched by its own philosophy, guides learning at Kintess School by placing the child at the center of their development. It sees the child as an active participant, capable of nurturing curiosity and autonomy within a thoughtfully prepared and stimulating environment. Every space at Kintess is designed to encourage exploration, hands-on interaction, and discovery, allowing children to build knowledge through concrete, sensory, and intellectual experiences.
Teachers at Kintess carefully observe each child to identify their strengths, interests, and specific needs. This attentive observation allows them to offer activities that stimulate concentration, reflection, and critical thinking. Children are encouraged to plan their actions, solve problems independently, and experiment with different strategies, strengthening their confidence and ability to learn autonomously. Autonomy is not only an academic goal; it is central to the Kintess philosophy, which holds that children learn best when they can choose, explore, and create in a guided way.
Project-based learning is a core element of the Kintess approach. Students work on inter-level projects where each participant contributes according to their skill level and interests. For example, in an environmental project, some children may study local biodiversity, others pollution or natural cycles, and each group prepares a presentation or visual aid to share discoveries with other classes. This sharing promotes listening, collaboration, and openness to different viewpoints, while consolidating knowledge and strengthening intrinsic motivation. Presenting work to peers also teaches children to communicate clearly, justify their choices, and reflect on their work processes.
At Kintess, the emotional and social dimensions are integrated into every project. Teachers support students in managing emotions, empathy, and collaboration. Drawing on Marc Brackett’s work and principles of emotional intelligence, teachers help children recognize their feelings and those of others, develop emotional regulation, and use these skills to learn and collaborate more effectively. This approach links cognitive learning with social and emotional development, making the educational experience more holistic and lasting.
The teacher at Kintess acts as a guide rather than a simple transmitter of knowledge. They adapt activities to individual needs, observe progress, and encourage students to take initiative. If the teacher does not allow students to experiment, make mistakes, or share discoveries, the development of creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity is limited. In contrast, by integrating Montessori methods with the Kintess approach, the teacher creates an environment where learning is active, motivating, and personalized, allowing each child to progress at their own pace.
At Kintess School, Montessori pedagogy is enriched by the Kintess approach, combining autonomy, curiosity, collaborative projects, and knowledge sharing from multiple perspectives. Children learn to think, express themselves, listen to others, and develop essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills. This approach prepares children not only for school but for life, equipping them to become confident, creative, and responsible learners.
References:
- Montessori, M. (1967). The Discovery of the Child. Ballantine Books.