Dr. Maria Montessori was a Renaissance woman who lived in Italy during the late 1800’s. After receiving her medical degree in 1896, she practiced medicine for women and children and lectured at the University of Rome. She maintained a private practice, served as chairperson at several women’s colleges in Rome and Florence, and chaired the Anthropology Department at the University of Rome. Her research on child development and the “nervous diseases” in children was published in several prestigious technical journals.

Dr. Montessori became known as a brilliant speaker, and was chosen to represent the women of Italy at a feminist congress in Berlin. Through the years, she would speak at many international assemblies, renouncing child labour and mistreatment of women.

Her work with “unfortunate children” at the Psychiatric Clinic at the University of Rome inspired her to register at the University to study Education, Philosophy, Psychology and Anthropology.

When asked to establish an early childhood center in San Lorenzo Dr. Montessori set to work to create a unique environment for children on a very limited budget. She commissioned a carpenter to make tables, chairs and learning materials to her precise specifications. Through observation of these 60 undisciplined and abandoned children, Dr. Montessori discovered timeless and universal truths about young children. She discovered “hidden treasures” which came to light so unexpectedly. Within this prepared environment, Dr. Montessori found children who responded so beautifully when given freedom to make choices when consistent guidelines were provided. Children spontaneously chose activities appropriate to their interests, abilities and needs.

Young children thrive with order in their routines, relationships and surroundings. They love repetition and have amazing powers of concentration. Students were refreshed after deep concentration, and actually preferred their work with the learning materials to play with toys, of which they soon become bored. After experimentation with rewards and punishment, Dr. Montessori found that neither was useful or effective; that instead, a deep respect for each child’s personal dignity enhanced responsibility. Children’s behavior was calmed and improved through their work.

Many of Dr. Montessori’s landmark discoveries have been confirmed through today’s scientific experimentation, brain research, and technology.

Dr. Montessori’s genius has resulted in an educational methodology, which has been proven over the last 100 years. It holds true for all races and cultures.

Few books on Dr Maria Montessori and her work:

• Montessori, Maria. The Discovery of the Child. New York: Theosophical Pub. House, 1948.
• Montessori, Maria. The Secret of Childhood. New York: Ballentine, 1972.
• Montessori, Maria. The Montessori Method. Cambridge, Mass.: R. Bentley, 1964.
• Montessori, Maria. The Absorbent Mind. New York: Henry Holt, 1995.Standing, E.M.
• Maria Montessori, her life and work. Fresno, Calif.: Academy Library Guild, 1962.