Who was Dr. Maria Montessori?
Dr. Maria Montessori opened the first children’s house in the slums of Rome in the early 1900’s. She was a biologist and an insightful educator, whose work with children changed the very nature of education. She observed and revealed qualities in children that were higher and had greater purpose than the adult world had previously recognized.
Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952)
I have studied the child. I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it and that is what is called the Montessori Method.
Her approach is designed to help children with the natural, spontaneous development of their mental, spiritual and physical personality. This is accomplished through the use of specialized materials in a prepared, peaceful environment where children, within a framework of order, are free to respond to their natural tendency to work. They are assisted by a well trained, loving directress who regards the development of the child with great respect and humble appreciation.
Education should no longer be mostly imparting knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities.
Through their work, the children in a Montessori classroom develop an amazing concentration, joyful self discipline and holistic transformation. The qualities that they develop will lead them far beyond just the academic achievements that we witness in the classroom. They are developing the human potential. They are revealing an inner life that will shine outward with peace and hope throughout their lives.
Dr. Maria Montessori’s vision of Peace through Education
is realized in the peaceful, purposeful inner life of a child.
This is the bright new hope for mankind. Not reconstruction, but help for the constructive work that the human soul is called upon to do, and to bring to fruition; a work of formation which brings out the immense potentialities with which children, the sons of men, are endowed.
