Montessori

History

The Montessori method of education is based on the pioneering work of Dr. Maria Montessori: engineer, medical doctor, educator and lifelong advocate of peace.

Casa dei Bambini, Dr. Montessori’s first school, was opened in 1907 in San Lorenzo, a suburb of Rome. Bringing the scientific techniques of observation and experimentation to this new venture, she spent her days observing the children and guiding the teacher to maximize the individual learning experience for each child. A radical idea at the time, the classroom was filled with everyday objects, tailored to meet the needs of the child, including tables,chairs, shelves, brooms – all designed for purposeful activities performed by children.

Dr. Montessori recognized that self-motivation is the only valid impulse to learning. The teacher prepares the environment, organizes activities, functions as the reference person and offers the child opportunities to blossom. The child learns by motivation through the work itself to persist in his chosen task. The Montessori child is free to learn because he has acquired an 'inner discipline' from exposure to both physical and mental order. This is the core of Montessori’s educational philosophy. Habits of concentration, determination, and thoroughness established in early childhood produce a confident and competent learner in later years.

Philosophy

In a true Montessori school, everything in the environment is designed to meet the needs of an individual child emotionally, physically, cognitively and spiritually. Learning is initiated by the children themselves. The result: graduates who have worthy levels of self-esteem, confidence and compassion which help them adapt and integrate themselves with their communities and most importantly, contribute to their communities and thus the world.

These key elements of respect for self, respect for others and respect for environment form the foundation for improving communication and tolerance between cultures. Dr. Montessori understood that providing this kind of educational environment that would lead a child to fulfilling his innate potential was the way to support the child in establishing inner peace. Supporting a culture of peace in the learning environment will support the child in establishing peaceful relationships with others. Taking small steps with children is the way to creating a culture of peace for humanity.

Resources

• American Montessori Society