Maria Montessori and the Montessori Approach

We've all heard about "Montessori" along the way either as educators, teachers or parents. In fact it is often used in business branding or as a catch phrase in the early education space. But who was Maria Montessori and what is so great about her approach to teaching and children's learning? Well let me tell you, you're in for a doozy! Dr. Montessori as a firebrand! In fact we owe much of our current practice as educators to innovations and her work. 

Who was Maria Montessori?

Maria Montessori played an integral role in modern early childhood education

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Redefining the gender norms of her time, Maria Montessori is an Italian physician, who was the first woman to graduate as a doctor in Italy. She faced significant scrutiny from her peers  where she was isolated in her practical classes. This resulted in her having to practice on cadavers after hours, as a woman being in presence of a naked male body was frowned upon. However, despite these challenges she graduated with honours in 1896. 

From 1896 to 1901, Montessori worked with and researched children that were labelled as ‘phrenasthenic’ – in modern terms, children who are experiencing cognitive delays, illness or disabilities. During her work, she began to travel, study, speak and publish both nationally and internationally. During her time in Rome, Montessori, spent time visiting asylums in which she observed children with a disability. This was fundamental for her future educational work as she felt children required a more specific and organisation system to their day, in other words routines. 

In 1906 Montessori was invited to oversee the care and education of a group of children of working parents. This took place in an apartment building for low-income families in Rome. Montessori accepted as she was keen to see how her approaches and methods would work on ‘mentally normal children’. From this, Casa dei Bambini or Children’s House, was opened on the 6th of January, enrolling 50 to 60 children.

While Maria Montessori did not directly work with the children, the day to day care was provided under her guidance. Montessori’s job was to oversee the teaching within the classroom, research, and a range of other professional activities. During her time at Casa dei Bambini, Montessori recorded some significant observations in children during their play, including deep concentration, repetition during activities and a sensitivity to order in their environment. Based on these observations, she implemented several practices which became the hallmark of her philosophy and method.

First, she changed heavy furniture with child-sized tables and chairs that were light enough so that the children could move them around with ease. Material was placed on shelves that were always accessible. She extended the range of practical activities, including gardening, pet care, cooking, hand washing and a variety of exercises.  

From her continuous observation of children, Maria Montessori developed a teaching method that revolutionised the field of early childhood education. Her method puts emphasis on self-directed learning activities, which encourages hands-on learning and collaborative play.

Within a Montessori classroom, educators set up different environments to meet the individual needs of students. These are separated into three developmentally meaningful age groups: 2–2.5 years, 2.5–6 years, and 6–12 years. Within each of these areas’ children learn through a range of activities that involve exploration, manipulations, order, repetition, abstraction and communication.

The first two age groups educators encourage children to use their sense to explore and manipulate materials in their environment. Within the last age group, children are encouraged to use more abstract concepts based on their understanding of reasoning, imagination, and creativity. 

The Montessori Method is based on the idea that children learn best when the environment supports their natural desire to acquire skills and knowledge. Furthering on this, children are taught how to support and regulate their social interactions with peers, whilst develop their freedom to negotiate, share, mediate and compromise. 

And that friends, is Maria Montessori in a nutshell. Can you see how much of an influence she has had upon our work in early childhood education? We are using theory each and every day and we may not even realise it.  

What are some Montessori Resources I can use with children?

Content Coming Soon! 

I want to know more about the Montessori Method and Resources,  where can I look?

Content Coming Soon! 

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References & Further Reading:

The awesome blog with tons of ideas: How We Montessori 

Your Amazing Child by Herron Books 

The Montessori Baby by Simone Davies and Junnifa Uzodike

The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies

Quotes by Brainy Quote