Montessori Education was founded in 1907 by Italian physician Maria Montessori. Dr. Montessori first became involved with education as a doctor treating mentally challenged children. In 1907, she opening the "Children's House" to care for poor families in Rome. She developed her program based on her observations that children learn best in a nurturing environment, using developmentally appropriate materials to provide experiences contributing to growth of self-motivated, independent learners. Her ideas were introduced to North America in 1912 and enthusiastic development of schools began in the mid 1950's. Now there are 7000 certified Montessori schools around the world. While most are private schools, there is a growing number of public schools offering Montessori programs and many homeschoolers use the philosophy and materials.

Features

• a belief in the importance of the early years to lay an academic foundation and to learn the ground rules of human behavior. Through exposure to physical and mental "orderliness" children learn the skills of concentration, perserverance, thoroughness, self-discipline and freedom within limits.
• an emphasis on learning through all five senses, not just listening, watching or reading. Performing tasks with hands is used to help the child develop attention and concentration skills. Multisensory, sequential and self-correcting materials and activities develop coordination sklls and sensory acuity.
• classes are organized in three-year age groupings (3-6, 6-9, etc.). Self-directed learning is balanced with small group collaborations. Peer group interaction and learning is encouraged.
• children develop basic skills in a non-competitive environment before being placed in a competitive situation.
• music, art, story-telling, movement and drama are part of Montessori. The program emphasizes creativity, involvement, sensory experience with opportunities to express and learn both verbally and non-verbally.
• certified Montessori teachers are specifically trained in principles of child development, Montessori philosophy and materials. The teacher prepares the environment, offers activities, is a resource person, facilitates and observes the chld constantly to help them to learn how to learn.

Books
Montessori, Maria. (1995). The Absorbent Mind. New York, NY: Henry Holt Company.
Montessori, Maria. (1992). The Secret of Childhood. New York, NY: Ballantine Books.

Chattin-McNichols, John. (1991). The Montessori Controversy. Delmar Publications.
Wolf, Aline. (1995). A Parents' Guide to the Montessori Classroom. Altoona, PA: Parent Child Press.

On-line Information
Association Montessori Internationale Amsterdam, Netherlands
International Montessori Index
North American Montessori Teacher's Association (NAMTA)
American Montessori Society (AMS)
Canadian Association of Montessori Teachers
Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators

Michael's Montessori Links to the Internet includes links to Montessori organizations in over 20 countries.

Michael Olaf Montessori site provides practical advice for using Montessori information in all kinds of settings, for children from birth to age twelve and beyond. It also offers catalogues of developmentally appropriate, Montessori approved, books and materials for children and their adults.

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Updated January 25, 2000