Maria Montessori
the founder of Montessori education
Maria Montessori was born in 1870 in Chiaravalle, Italy. She was a versatile educator, doctor, philosopher, and scientist. In 1896, she became the first woman in Italy to earn a medical degree. Then she worked as an assistant at the University Psychiatric Clinic in Rome, focusing on the education of mentally disabled children (specialising in the study of childhood neurological disorders). She continued her practice as a paediatrician, worked on the education of medical professionals, and led the anthropology department at the University of Rome. In 1908, she left her active medical career to pursue educational activities.
On January 6, 1907, she opened the Children's House for preschool children from the poor, inner-city district of San Lorenzo in Rome. She developed materials for sensory education and school resources for teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic.
She engaged children in practical activities. In Rome, she contributed to the establishment of the first association for promoting her methods, called Opera Montessori.
She recorded her insights about the life and education of children in her books. The work of Maria Montessori is not based on theory; its strength lies in the practical implementation of ideas. The majority of her writings consist of interpretations of child observations and justifications of her educational approaches.
She studied medicine, philosophy, and psychology, and engaged with anthropology, biology, and education. Throughout her life, she never ceased to study. In her work, theory and practice influenced each other mutually.
Montessori education
Maria Montessori founded her educational philosophy on a deep understanding of the child and their needs. She observed children for a long time and discovered crucial information that led her to create her educational system. Her pedagogy and materials are timeless. Through her observations, Maria understood how to shape a child's personality using appropriate and effective tools.
She found that children under six years old possess what she called an "absorbent mind," which enables them to adapt to their environment and acquire knowledge effortlessly. Maria Montessori also highlighted the concept of sensitive periods in a child's development, during which children can focus intensely on specific aspects of their growth. Once these sensitive periods end, it becomes more challenging for them to acquire those skills. During these times, a child is almost completely absorbed in the activities they engage in, contributing to their personality development. The result is a calm, educated, and well-rounded child.
The role of parents and educators is indispensable. They serve in a child's life as guides, showing them various activities that the child then explores independently. Children possess a great deal of energy and creative potential that they want to utilise, and it is up to the parents to enable this. The guides for the child should support and protect moments of concentration and help the child engage with specific activities.
Maria Montessori also emphasised that a child needs to engage their hands for their development. The hands are tools of their spirit. Montessori education remains relevant today because it focuses on nurturing a whole person—an independent and responsible adult capable of adapting to future life in the world.
Usefull Links
Below are some links to films and documentaries about Maria Montessori and her method:
"The Montessori Method: Education for Life"
This video is part of a documentary film, INSIDE MONTESSORI. To learn more visit https://insidemontessori.org"How the Inspirational Life of Maria Montessori has Impacted the World"
Film by AMI Montessori about Maria Montessori and her inspirational life."Is Montessori right for your child?"
This video looks at how Montessori is great for different types of learners"Difference between Montessori and Traditional Kindergarten"
This video outlines the differences between Montessori and Traditional Preschools.