Dr. Maria Montessori

About Maria
Maria Montessori (1872 – 1952) was the first woman in Italy to earn a medical degree. Early in her career, while pursuing studies in anthropology and human development, she became fascinated with the learning potential of young children. After years of observation and research in the field, she formulated her theories of child development and designed specific didactic and self-correcting materials for the child’s use. These are commonly referred to as Montessori Materials. They assist children in absorbing fundamental concepts for language and mathematical development while allowing them to explore history, geography and elements of the culture in which they live.
Education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not just by listening to words, but also by experiences in the environment.
Celebrate the Montessori Century
The year 2007 marked the 100th anniversary of Montessori education. A global presence for over a century, the Montessori method of education has enriched countless lives in schools around the world. Beautifully prepared classroom environments, a rich interdisciplinary curriculum and an emphasis on development of the whole child within a matrix of Peace Education sets Montessori apart.
Montessori consciously designs social communities and educational experiences that cultivate the child’s sense of independence, self-respect, love of peace, passion for self-chosen work done well and the ability to respect and celebrate the individual spirit within people of all ages.
Montessori Resources
Montessori Websites:
CCMA Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators
ccma.ca
American Montessori Society
amshq.org
Association Montessori Internationale
montessori-ami.org
North American Montessori Teachers’ Association
montessori-namta.org
The International Montessori Council
montessori.org
The Montessori Notebook by Simone Davies
themontessorinotebook.com/blog
The Montessori Daoshi – A digital space to support parents
montessoridaoshi.com
Recommended Montessori Books for parents:
Montessori, The Science Behind the Genius
By Angeline Stoll Lillard, Third Edition
The Montessori Toddler, A Parent’s Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being
By Simone Davies
How to Raise an Amazing Montessori Child the Montessori Way
By Tim Seldin
Montessori For Every Family, A Practical Parenting Guide to Living, Loving and Learning
By Tim Seldin and Lorna McGrath
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
By Dr. Daniel J Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson