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Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952), internationally renowned as a child educator, began her work in education at the turn of the century and went on to dedicate her life to the cause of the child. She firmly believed that the formative first 6 years of life, are critical both physically and mentally. It is during this time that a child's powers of absorption are highest and attitudes and patterns of learning are formed. She came to realise that children have a natural love of learning and that education, as an "aid to life" must be provided in a secure and harmonious environment. |
At the age of 28 she was engaged as a medical professional to assess the physical needs of "defective children." Influenced by the work of Seguin and Itard in France, Montessori designed materials and techniques, which allowed the children to work in areas previously considered beyond their capacity. Montessori's great triumph came when these children took the standard state examinations. Her "defectives" passed the exams. Montessori concluded that if her children could be brought to the same academic level as "normal" children, something must be drastically wrong with mainstream education. |
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Through her observations and work with children, she discovered their remarkable, almost effortless, ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings. "Children teach themselves!" This simple and profound truth inspired Montessori's lifelong pursuit of educational reform, curriculum development, methodology, psychology, teaching and teacher training - all based on her dedication to further the self-creating process of the child. |
