Maria Montessori

 

Maria Montessori

 

 

Maria Montessori was born in Ancona, Italy in 1870 and was the first Italian woman to qualify as a physician.

 

Her approach to education was developed through her work with children with learning disabilities and with the poor children of Italy. She developed a unique range of teaching materials and an educational philosophy which is still internationally respected and practiced, one hundred years later.

 

Further information about Maria Montessori can be found here at the Montessori St. Nicholas Charity website.

 

 

 

Montessori Education

 

The Montessori Method is based on child directed learning. This learning takes place in a specially prepared classroom, which includes the Montessori apparatus. Each piece of apparatus involves hands on learning and mostly contains an inbuilt factor which allows the child to discover and correct his own mistakes.

 

The underlying principles of freedom, independence and self discipline form an integral part of Montessori education and are encouraged throughout the classroom. Children are able to choose what they wish to work with. Such freedom of choice encourages independence. Freedom and independence help the child to develop a capacity for self discipline. Great importance is placed on social interaction and children are encouraged to help and respect each other and their environment.

 

There are six main areas to Montessori education. Click on the links below to find out more about each area

  1. Practical life (including simple, practical tasks aimed at encouraging independence, such as, sweeping and learning how to tie a bow).
  2. Sensorial (specially devised activities to help refine the senses and, therefore, enhance perception and concentration).
  3. Language and Literacy
  4. Mathematics
  5. Cultural(geography, history and science activities)
  6. Creative(art, music and drama)

 

Montessori links and trivia can be found here.