Who Was Maria Montessori?

Dr. Maria Montessori was the first female physician in Italy. She had always displayed an exceptional intuitiveness towards mankind. Maria Montessori was able to bridge science and the spirit. She understood that in order for the universe to "work," the people in this world must accept that there are different cultures, religions, and beliefs. To function in a social environment we must find common ground and have the courage to accept those different from ourselves. To begin this process she created, "The Montessori School." Maria Montessori defined the purpose of Montessori education as, "The development of a complete human being, oriented to the environment, and adapted to his or her time, place, and culture." (Montessori Today, Paula Polk Lillard). We have witnessed many Montessori children develop the ability to adapt to new situations and utilize resources through self initiation. Children appear to absorb more when they are given the opportunity to choose their work. The environment is created in a way that guides the child to make positive choices. Her first goal was to train Montessori "Directresses." These were individuals trained to set up an appropriate environment for young children. The role of the directress was to observe the children and know what each child's needs were. The directresses were expected to make materials for the children and to "present" the lessons when the child was ready. Dr. Montessori had studied the physical development of the young child, along with their mental and emotional growth. She discovered very specific stages for children three to six years. These stages are called "sensitive periods." These are various stages that a child between the ages of birth and age six experience. When a child enters the sensitive period for language, they speak incessantly and attempt to communicate utilizing different vocabulary and sounds. They will continue this enthusiastic behavior until they feel that they have "perfected" it. Throughout these sensitive periods, the child will repeat the action over and over until they have mastered their "work." Climbing stairs for a two year old is a common "sensitive" behavior. Dr. Montessori called the hand "the instrument of the intelligence." (Montessori Today, P.P. Lillard) She believed that, by allowing the child to experience their environment through touch, the individual's experience becomes a part of them, and the experience is "absorbed" by the mind, not memorized or learned. Suggested readings: Maria Montessori, Her life and Work - E.M. Standing The Absorbent Mind - Maria Montessori