Maria Montessori
Dr. Maria Montessori was a Renaissance woman who lived in Italy
during the late 1800’s. After receiving her medical degree
in 1896, she practiced medicine for women and children and lectured
at the University of Rome. She maintained a private practice, served
as chairperson at several women’s colleges in Rome and Florence,
and chaired the anthropology department at the University of Rome.
Her research on child development and the “nervous diseases”
in children was published in several prestigious technical journals.
Dr. Montessori became known as a brilliant speaker, and was chosen
to represent the women of Italy at a feminist congress in Berlin.
Through the years, she would speak at many international assemblies,
renouncing child labor and mistreatment of women.
Her work with “unfortunate children” at the Psychiatric
Clinic at the University of Rome inspired her to register at the
University to study education, philosophy, psychology and anthropology.
When asked to establish an early childhood center in San Lorenzo
Dr. Montessori set to work to create a unique environment for children
on a very limited budget. She commissioned a carpenter to make tables,
chairs and learning materials to her precise specifications. Through
observation of these 60 undisciplined and abandoned children, Dr.
Montessori discovered timeless and universal truths about young
children. She discovered “hidden treasures” which came
to light so unexpectedly. Within this prepared environment, Dr.
Montessori found children who responded so beautifully when given
freedom to make choices when consistent guidelines were provided.
Children spontaneously chose activities appropriate to their interests,
abilities and needs.
Young children thrive with order in their routines, relationships
and surroundings. They love repetition and have amazing powers of
concentration. Students were refreshed after deep concentration,
and actually preferred their work with the learning materials to
play with toys, of which they soon become bored. After experimentation
with rewards and punishment, Dr. Montessori found that neither was
useful or effective; that instead, a deep respect for each child’s
personal dignity enhanced responsibility. Children’s behavior
was calmed and improved through their work.
Sensitive Periods
Many of Dr. Montessori’s landmark discoveries have been confirmed
through today’s scientific experimentation, brain research,
and technology.
One concept is that children learn differently from adults through
their absorbent minds. Children learn through the use of their senses,
integrating aspects of their environments into their very beings
– building new neuropathways for enhanced future learning.
Dr. Montessori’s discovery of Sensitive Periods in children
is a key tenet of the Montessori philosophy. Children have specific,
limited times when learning is enhanced, even effortless. Our curriculum
is designed to engage children at these key times. That is why even
our youngest students are introduced to Geometry. Sensory impressions
are stored in memory and utilized later when studying the algebraic
trinomial equation.
The result will be an easier and deeper understanding for the older
student. In fact, research now demonstrates that former Montessori
students do score higher on many standardized scales.* Those who
study in elementary Montessori schools score even higher on standardized
tests and are much more likely to qualify for accelerated programs
than other students.
Dr. Montessori’s genius has resulted in an educational methodology,
which has been proven over the last 100 years. It holds true for
all races and cultures. There is much more information available
on the Montessori method. Please consult resources listed below:
* Association Montessori International. Outcomes for Students in
a Montessori Program: A Longitudinal Study of the Experience in
the Milwaukee Public Schools. www.montessori-ami.org.
2003.
Resources
Books:
Montessori, Maria. The Discovery of the Child. New York:
Theosophical Pub. House, 1948.
Montessori, Maria. The Secret of Childhood. New York:
Ballentine, 1972.
Montessori, Maria. The Montessori Method. Cambridge,
Mass.: R. Bentley, 1964.
Montessori, Maria. The Absorbent Mind. New York: Henry
Holt, 1995.
Standing, E.M. Maria Montessori, her life and work.
Fresno, Calif.: Academy Library Guild, 1962.
Journals:
The National Montessori Reporter
Tomorrow’s Child
The NAMTA Journal
Montessori Life
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