History of Montessori Philosophy

Maria Montessori began her career as the first female Italian doctor in 1896 by observing mentally and physically challenged children housed in the psychiatric ward at the University of Rome. During her tour there she became interested in designing inherently instructive learning materials to educate and enhance the lives of the children in the ward. Thanks to her efforts and materials, the children she worked with soon began reading and writing at the competency level of children being taught in public school. The world recognized and rejoiced in her success. Maria Montessori began then to question the public school system’s methods for educating young children, and directed her efforts toward early childhood education. She opened her first Montessori School in 1906 and her success with the school eventually led her to exhibit at the 1914 World’s Fair in San Francisco. America was quickly drawn to her child-centered curriculum, and the methods she developed are now being implemented in the United States, as well as around the world.

Montessori has come to mean education for life that evolves from a child’s use of all of their senses in the learning process. Designed for manipulation and experimentation, Montessori materials promote independence and creativity. The materials move in a natural progression from concrete manipulatives to abstract concepts. These specialized materials allow children to proceed at their own pace. Children who in typical early childhood classrooms would normally be ahead of or behind the group can set their own pace without being bored or frustrated.