Montessori Basics

I’ve often said that Maria Montessori has a quote for everything.  When you start to read her vast body of work, it’s no wonder.  Dr. Maria Montessori was a scientist and physician, first and foremost. She stumbled her way into education when she observed the mistreatment of children put into her care. She recognised that adults (especially at the time) did not give children the credit and respect they deserved, and this launched...

Sometimes it can feel like our society has abandoned previous social norms. In some ways, this is a good thing, especially when social norms are not inclusive or are harmful. Many of these norms, however, are important in nurturing a society in which human beings treat each other with kindness and respect. Somewhere along the way we forgot our manners. This brings us to a critical element in Montessori education:...

“When a child is given a little leeway, he will at once shout, ’I want to do it!’ But in our schools, which have an environment adapted to children’s needs, they say, ‘Help me to do it alone.’ ” - Maria Montessori in The Secret of Childhood Montessorians are often heard saying, “Follow the child.” It’s a statement that guides us each day and drives our work in very particular...

Image credit: Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) This article is part of a series that we will share throughout the 2020-2021 school year to celebrate the 150th birthday of Dr. Maria Montessori. Check back often for more posts that reflect on the past, present, and future of Montessori education. If you’re reading this article, you are likely already a champion of Montessori education. At the very least, you’ve heard anecdotes or...