The Montessori Method was designed to match the methods children use to educate themselves. In theory, your children will motivate themselves to learn rather than be forced into learning.
The Montessori approach to education was developed by Maria Montessori in Italy in the early 20th century. She based her teaching methods on her observations of how children learn and develop naturally. Today, Montessori schools follow this child-centered approach globally.
Maria Montessori is remembered for pioneering the Montessori method of education, which emphasizes independence, self-directed learning, and hands-on activities. She was also a strong advocate for children's rights and believed in the importance of providing an environment that supports the unique development of each child. Her legacy continues to influence schools and educators worldwide.
Montessori organizations focus on the educational approach developed by Maria Montessori, emphasizing child-led learning and independence. These organizations provide accreditation based on adherence to Montessori principles and practices, whereas other accrediting groups may have different standards and criteria for evaluating educational programs. Additionally, Montessori organizations often require specific training and certification in Montessori education for teachers.
Dr. Montessori incorporated a variety of specialized educational materials into her schools, known as "Montessori materials." These materials were designed to be hands-on and interactive, allowing students to engage in self-directed learning and exploration. Examples include the pink tower, the golden bead materials, and the sandpaper letters.
EXTRAORDINARY!! Maria Montessori can be described in one single word - this describes her work her studies her patience and the entire life of an individual who was EXTRAORDINARY! Today Maria Montessori's concepts are found in classrooms throughout the world and parents more often than not want their children to attend nursery schools where "Montessori methods" are used. Maria Montessori was born in 1870 at Chiaravalle in the province of Ancona in Italy. It was in this year that Italy became a united nation. Maria spent her childhood in Ancona and attended the state day school. At the age of eleven or twelve her parents moved to Rome in order to give her a better education. Her parents encouraged her to take up teaching which for women at that time was the only career available, but Maria decided she wanted to study medicine this would enable her to help poor Italian women in a practical way and it would be an opportunity for her to work in any feminist activities she wished to undertake. With her determination and struggle she was admitted and "in1896 she became the first woman to graduate from the university of Rome medical school" (Montessori A modern approach Paula Polk Lillard) she went on to study paediatrics at the children's hospital and gynaecology at the woman's hospital thus she paved the way making it easier for other Italian women to pursue careers other than teaching. In the same year Dr Montessori was chosen to represent Italian women at a feminist congress in Berlin where she championed the cause of the working women (Maria Montessori - her life and work E.M standing) An incident told Maria that her future work lay in the field of education rather than in medicine…. During her studies one evening when she was in the dissecting room and it became too much for her, she walked through town until she reached the Pincio gardens here she noticed an old beggar woman with a young child seated on the grass, the child was simply playing with a scrap of red paper but was totally absorbed with it and nothing else bothered the child. This complete concentration of the child told Maria deep in her heart that she had a special work to do. After graduating she joined the university of Rome staff as an assistant doctor at the psychiatric clinic, here she visited children in asylums for the insane. In one asylum Montessori noticed the children had no toys or materials, the room was bare, there was absolutely nothing that the children could hold and feel to manipulate their fingers and so as she came into more contact with these defective children "she became convinced that these mentally deficient children could profit from special education (Montessori a modern approach Paula Polk Lillard) this view was shared by French doctors Jean Itard and Edward Seguin the study of the work of these two French doctors along with the ideas and insights of educational thinkers such as Rousseau, Pestalozzi and Froebel gave Maria Montessori new direction…she took the principle ideas of 'education of the senses' and the 'education of movement' and adapted and developed them into a system that became her own In 1899 she gave a lecture in Turin on moral education which caught the attention of the minister of education who authorised Maria to conduct lectures to teachers, not long after a medical pedagogic institute was opened and Montessori was made director - this position she held for two years. In 1901 she was contemplating teaching normal children but went on to study further. It was at this time that she translated Itard and Seguins writings into Italian. About this time Maria said "it was almost as if I prepared myself for an unknown mission" meaning every mind is unique so every study of a mind is a journey into the unknown and no-one could be certain that her theories based on feeble minded children would work with normal children Maria was in 1904 the first Italian woman to become a professor - the professor of pedagogic anthropology in Rome. Opportunity arose for Maria when she was asked to develop an infant's school for normal children, children who came from poor disadvantaged families and whose parents were at work and who needed looking after. She agreed at once seeing this as her opportunity to work with normal children and 'put across' the Montessori Method. Her students were………….. "60 tearful, frightened children, so shy that it was impossible to get them to speak, their faces were expressionless with bewildered eyes as though they had never seen anything in their lives…."(Maria Montessori - Her life and work E.M standing) These were poor, abandoned children who had nothing to stimulate their minds; they were uncared for and most were malnourished. However! Before a year had passed under the guidance and care of Maria the same children were transformed, they learnt successfully and their personalities changed…. "From timid & wild they became sociable & communicative, their personalities bloomed and they were happy and joyous!" (Maria Montessori - Her life and work E.M standing) It became evident that her teaching methods proved beneficial for all children be it from rich or poor backgrounds. And thus Montessori's hopes on the success of her methods with normal children had been achieved! Next came….Fame and recognition which spread like wild fire. People came from all over the world to see her at work with these children, word spread and private Montessori schools were established in Europe. Maria travelled far and wide giving training courses and lectures and has left her mark everywhere including India and the United Kingdom. Maria died on May 6th 1952 at the age of 81 in the Netherlands at Noordwijk. Her method of education is still thriving in schools all over the world! Maria Montessori was the mother of education - she contributed a lifetime of observation, learning, teaching, guiding and understanding of the needs and development of children even from before birth. She opened the minds of those who were ignorant to her life's work and she opened our eyes to educating us about the future we want for our children through her timeless methods. Women all over the world wish they could be like Maria Montessori for her knowledge, patience, wisdom, love and understanding to name but a few of her many qualities……..
If you're child prefers to learn at their own pace using all 5 senses then Montessori schools if definitely something for you to look at. Most schools place children in 3-year age groups so older kids can share their knowledge with the younger ones. However, Montessori schools are a completely different approach and is suitable for all children. Many children thrive at Montessori, and you should send your child there.
You can find more information on Montessori schools by visiting the American Montessori Society website, searching for local Montessori schools in your area, reading books on Montessori education such as "The Absorbent Mind" by Maria Montessori, or contacting Montessori schools directly to request information packets or schedule a visit.
Enrolling in Florida umbrella schools for homeschooling students can provide benefits such as access to extracurricular activities, guidance from certified teachers, and assistance with record-keeping and transcripts for college applications.
Toronto Montessori Schools was created in 196#.
Montessori schools have lead progressive education for a century. The site of the Montessori Schools of California has a database of available centers.
Yes you can get Montessori Schools offering Montessori education in Juneau, Alaska. There exists one on 750 Saint Anns Avenue, the Juneau Montessori Community.
The American Montessori Society is a wonderful place to search for accredited Montessori Schools in across America. They have a listing for Sayre Montessori School, in West Des Moines.
There are many Montessori schools in Australia. A full listing can be found on the Montessori Australia website. Most of this schools are either privately or individually run and offer a great eduction.
Montessori schools are based on an educational theory by Maria Montessori. They emphasize community, arts, and creative work by children; whether this is an advantage depends on your own family's beliefs about education.
Montessori schools were started in the early 1900 by Maria Montessori. Montessori schools focus child independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child's natural psychological development.
The Montessori approach to education was developed by Maria Montessori in Italy in the early 20th century. She based her teaching methods on her observations of how children learn and develop naturally. Today, Montessori schools follow this child-centered approach globally.
Montessori schools believe in positive reinforcement for their students. It is a positive learning environment that lets kids learn about what interests them and at their own pace. Their goal is to teach children to think not what to think.