What is Montessori Education?
Montessori encompasses a philosophy by which children are allowed to develop naturally and fully. Under the guidance of a certified Montessori Directress, in a specially prepared environment and using carefully formulated materials, children are given the opportunity to learn in the best ways- by choice and by discovery. The dual qualities of independence and a love of learning, natural tendencies for the children are nurtured in such a way that both competence and confidence result. These competent and self-confident young people have the necessary tools for successful future learning and living.
The Montessori method is an international approach to learning with no distinctions of class, culture or intelligence. This academic expertise coupled with the happy, interested, confident and organized demeanor these children present, singles them out among children who have not had the same educational advantages. Most people develop and use but a small portion of their potential; Montessori children are brighter because they are exposed to more. Montessori education allows your child to progress towards whatever he can become, as it focuses on the whole child, addressing intellectual, aesthetic, physical, emotional and social needs.
Dr. Maria Montessori
Dr. Maria Montessori was born in Chiaravelle, Italy, in 1870. She entered the Medical School at the University of Rome, graduating the first woman in medicine at the age of 26 with a double honors degree.
Dr. Montessori, was the first woman graduate from the University of Rome Medical School, became interested in education as a doctor treating retarded children. After returning to the University for further study, she began her study with normal children in 1908 when she was invited to organize schools in a reconstruction slum area of San Lorenzo, Italy. Dr. Montessori opened her first Children's House (Casa dei Bambini) in 1906; the results were even more astounding. Additional Casa dei Bambini's opened in other parts of Italy. Eventually her methods spread to other parts of Europe and the United States. Later, she traveled all over the world lecturing about her discoveries and founding schools. She has written approximately fifteen volumes and numerous articles about education. In 1948 Dr. Montessori was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in education towards peace. Maria Montessori died in 1952, her son Mario Montessori continued her work until he died in 1988.
Her medical background led Montessori to approach education not as a philosopher or educator in the usual sense, but as a scientist. She used the classroom as a laboratory for observing children and to test the validity of her ideas and practices for aiding them in their growth. This open-minded attitude, and the respect for the child is the most fundamental aspect of the Montessori education.
Further Reading
The Montessori Method, Pedagogy and Anthropology, Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook, and The Advanced Montessori Method (two volumes). Further confirmation of her "discoveries" can be found in The Secret of Childhood and The Discovery of the Child. She also wrote 20 more books and pamphlets.
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