Montessori Education
Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian physician, and educator, best known for developing the Montessori method of education. She became the first woman in Italy to earn a medical degree in 1896. Her focus shifted towards education, and in 1907 , she opened the first Casa dei Bambini, or “Children’s House,” in Rome. Montessori’s educational philosophy focused on fostering a child’s natural curiousity and independence through a prepared environment and hands-on learning materials.
The Montessori Method
The Montessori method emphasizes the child’s natural drive to learn through exploration and self-discovery. Key features include: the prepared environment that encourages independent learning and exploration, mixed-age classrooms that promote collaboration and mentorship, self-directed learning allowing freedom to follow their interests, Montessori materials that promote concrete learning experiences, teachers as guides allowing children to take the lead in their learning journey, and respect for the child as an individual, recognizing their unique strengths, interests, and developmental pace.