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| Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) |
Born in Chaiaravalle a small town in Italy, Maria Montessori became internationally recognised as one of the most powerful pioneers in early childhood education to date. After becoming Italy’s first woman doctor, her interests turned to the education of children and she began her lifelong pursuit of studying child development. In her medical practice, her clinical observations led her to conclude that the environment plays a vital part in a child’s development. Her desire to help children was so strong that in 1960 she gave up her medical practice to work with a group of young children and their parents in the San Lorenzo district of Rome. She founded the first ‘Casa de Bambini’, a children’s house where the Montessori method of education was developed.
Dr. Montessori made scientific observations on the children’s effortless ability to absorb knowledge form their surroundings, as well as their tireless interest in manipulating the materials she provided. Every piece of equipment, exercise and method Montessori developed was based on what she observed children do naturally by themselves, unassisted by adults. She began putting her ideas into practice, retaining and developing those that worked most effectively and thus creating the ‘prepared environment’ which is a fundamental part of Montessori teaching today. Her phenomenal success led her to travel the world, establishing schools and lecturing about her discoveries, while writing numerous books and articles.
Dr Maria Montessori was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize for her contributions to education and children’s rights. She believed that a truly educated individual continues learning long after years spent in the classroom. The Montessori philosophy is to provide a learning environment that enhances the development of intellectually reflective individuals who are caring and ethical members of the community; a legacy that continues to benefit children today. |
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