Who Was Dr. Montessori?

Children educated in Montessori Schools know who they are as people. They are confident, at ease with themselves, and interact on a high social plane with peers and adults. Montessori students are naturally curious about their surroundings and eager to explore. Dr. Maria Montessori was ahead of her time when she brought this theory to life. Her natural intellectual curiosity led to an exploration of children's minds and how they learn. She believed that environment was a major factor in child development. She enhanced their approaches by adding her own belief that we must follow the child. One does not teach children, but rather creates a nurturing climate in which children can teach themselves through creative activity and exploration. Maria Montessori became Italy's first female doctor when she graduated in 1896. A most well-known author and voice for child development with her most notable books "Montessori Method" and "The Absorbent Mind." She taught that placing children in a stimulating environment will encourage learning. Guides are set in place to nurture and encourage children through intentional observation of the child’s individual abilities. What Montessori started as a scientific investigation has flourished as a monumental humanitarian and pedagogical endeavor we still stand behind today.