Who is Maria Montessori? Maria Montessori

The founder of this popular educational method was Italian physician Maria Montessori. Montessori observed children and their natural needs and provided them with what they needed to develop themselves. She found that when children are given the right stimulation, they enter a state called flow (i.e., a state of total involvement and intensive motivation). In this state, the child is totally focused on the activity and is oblivious to anything else.

What is the Montessori Method?

The method is based on four pillars: mutual respect, freedom and responsibility, respect for the developmental needs of the child, and a stimulating and cooperative environment. Its purpose is to encourage the child to work on his or her own initiative and to give his or her full attention to the work he or she chooses to do. The adult is only an observer and guide. Montessori education covers the entire period from the age of three until adulthood. The overall motto of Montessori education is “Help them to do it by themselves.”

Free choice

Classical education seeks to place all children in one category. At the end of a given level of education, a child will have the same package of knowledge and skills as the other children in the group, regardless of their interests or strengths. Montessori education emphasizes individuality, not curriculum. The options and pre-prepared materials are truly varied and focused on the child\’s interests.

Awareness and respect

Founder Maria Montessori also studied psychology and was well versed in it. As a result, she was well aware that children are sensitive to any embarrassment, discouragement, or experience of inactivity. While adults might rate such situations as unimportant. Children carry unpleasant experiences in their minds and carry them with them throughout their lives. Only through dignified treatment can trust and effective education be achieved.