Montessori
The Montessori Method encompasses both a philosophy of child development and a rationale for guiding such growth. Based on a child’s developmental need for freedom (within limits) and a carefully prepared environment, the child is exposed to materials and experiences which develop intelligence and strengthen physical and psychological abilities. Children need adults to expose them to the possibilities of life, and the Montessori Method is designed to encourage children to take full advantage of their desire to learn, as well as their unique ability to develop their own capabilities.
Maria Montessori was the “founder” of the Montessori Method of teaching. Born in 1870 in Italy, Montessori was the first female to earn a doctorate in medicine in that country. Through her work with socially deprived and handicapped children, she developed the educational method that bears her name. Montessori found, through further observation and experimentation, that the principles of her educational method were applicable to all children. Many of the innovative methods that Montessori utilized in educating children were met with resistance in her day, but have now become common knowledge throughout the fields of education, child care and child development.