The main characteristics of this teaching method. 
Education through the movement/the sensorial education/the self-learning education/the respect of the child's development rhythm/concrete experience leading to understanding/openness towards the world and culture/learning from general to the particular/a logical progression through exclusive material/the assimilation of the subjects taught/the importance of the environment/the freedom and especially the respect of the child.

The respect of the child, of his fundamental needs and his personality.
Modern psychology highlighted the fact that the child goes through "stages" of development. These stages are the same for all children and never vary in their order. Yet, the Montessori Method considers that each child is unique, he has his own personality, his rhythm, his qualities and possible difficulties.

An appropriate environment which  encourages the development   of the child.

To develop oneself, the child must evolve freely in an environment appropriate to his fundamental needs.  This freedom does not signify nor absence of rules nor carelessness. It is essential for the development of the autonomy, responsibility, willpower and self-control.

The role of the Montessori TEACHER
To observe, to guide, to listen, to adapt.
The Montessori teacher, trained specifically, accompanies and guides the child by observing thoroughly and listening carefully. The teacher explains or helps only at the child's request. The teacher's role is to encourage children in their efforts to build their own personality by respecting the values, the differences of pace or sensitivity which characterises each of them and in respect of the official programme from the "Education Nationale".