The Montessori Method – only the deaf have not heard this expression. But how much do you know about this person? In this article, we will introduce you to the famous educator, Maria Montessori, how and why she became famous.
Life and Family of Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori was born on August 31, 1870 in Chiaravalle, Italy. She grew up in an educated middle-class family. Her father was a government official, and her mother came from a cultured and educated family. Her parents supported Maria’s desire for education, which was unusual for girls at that time.
Maria Montessori ‘s Education
Maria initially wanted to become an engineer, which was extremely unusual for a woman. However, she changed her mind and entered the medical school of the University of Rome in 1890. There, she faced prejudice and discrimination. Maria became the first woman in Italy to receive a medical degree. This was an unusual achievement for women at that time. Montessori studied pedagogy, philosophy and anthropology, which eventually led her to develop a unique approach to educating children.
Career and working with children
Her career began as an assistant in a psychiatric clinic, where she worked with children with mental disabilities. During her work, she noticed that these children could learn and develop if given the right stimuli and learning materials. This observation became a turning point in her life and inspired her to create a new educational approach.
One of her key observations was that children learn best through sensory and hands-on materials can explore with their hands. She developed a set of specialized learning materials. They helped children evolve a variety of skills – from motor skills to mathematics and language. These materials became the basis of the Montessori method.
Development of the Montessori Method
In 1907, Maria Montessori opened the “Casa dei Bambini” (House of Children) in Rome – the first kindergarten based on her methods. This institution became a place where she could put her ideas into practice. Montessori discovered that even children from disadvantaged backgrounds could achieve significant success in learning if they were given the right conditions and incentives.
Spread of the Method and Recognition
Throughout her life, she actively promoted her ideas. She wrote books and conducted courses for teachers all over the world. Her method quickly gained popularity due to its emphasis on the independence of children. It was necessary to respect their individuality and create an atmosphere for learning.
Montessori’s method quickly gained recognition and began to spread throughout the world. In 1929, she founded the Montessori Association. It is still engaged in supporting and promoting her methods.
Maria Montessori was also actively involved in social activities. She advocated for the rights of women and children. Maria believed that education should be a means to create a more peaceful and just society. In 1950, Montessori nominated her for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Montessori wrote several books in her life. One of the most popular is “The Method of Scientific Pedagogy Applied to the Education of Children in the Children’s Home” and “The Mind of the Child”. She also traveled a lot, gave lectures and seminars. Her goal was to convey the importance of proper education of children. Montessori also taught other teachers her method.
Method of Maria Montessori
The essence of her method is that classrooms should be organized in such a way as to stimulate independence. Materials and teaching aids are located at the child’s level and are available for use. The entire environment is designed to be safe and stimulating for children. They should contribute to their natural development.
Montessori developed special materials.
- Sensory boxes, which contain different textures, shapes and materials that children can explore by touch. This develops tactile and sensory skills.
- Colored cubes. They are used to study color and shape. They help develop visual perception and understanding of color shades.
- Cubes with different textures. They help children distinguish surfaces and textures, contribute to the development of sensory perception.
They help develop various skills.
One aspect of her method is “freedom”. Children can choose what they want to do in the classroom. This stimulates their natural interest and curiosity. Freedom of choice must go hand in hand with responsibility for their actions and respect for others.
The teacher in the Montessori classroom acts more as a mentor or observer than a traditional teacher. His task is to create favorable conditions for learning, guide and support the children. The teacher carefully observes the interests and needs of each child. He suggests materials or activities that can be useful for their further development.
Montessori classrooms usually have mixed age groups (for example, from 3 to 6 years old). This allows younger children to learn from older children, and older children to develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility.
Montessori is the development of the child’s whole personality. This includes cognitive, emotional, social and physical skills. It is important not only to teach academic skills, but also to develop personal qualities: self-confidence, independence, respect for others and the ability to work in a team.
Children in a Montessori classroom are often engaged in real-life pragmatic tasks. Cooking, caring for plants or animals, cleaning – helps them develop practical skills and an understanding of the world around them.
End of life
Maria Montessori died on May 6, 1952 in the Netherlands. Her legacy lives on through thousands of Montessori schools around the world. Her pedagogical approach continues to inspire educators and parents. More and more people strive to create an environment in which children can grow and develop in accordance with their natural abilities and interests.
Conclusion
Maria Montessori revolutionized the approach to teaching children. Her method is based on deep knowledge of child development and providing opportunities for active and independent learning. These ideas have had a significant impact on modern educational systems and remain relevant and in demand today.
Her method continues to inspire educators and parents around the world, offering effective and innovative approaches to the education and upbringing of children.