Dr. Maria Montessori
Montessori (pronounced MON-tuh-SORE-ee) education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She based her educational methods on scientific observation of children's learning processes. Guided by her discovery that children teach themselves, Dr. Montessori designed a "prepared environment" in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities

Now, nearly a century after Maria Montessori first developed her educational methods, Montessori education is found all over the world. Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, using many hands-on materials. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.

For More Information

Internet:

• www.montessori.org - The Montessori Foundation
• www.montessoriconnections.com - Montessori Connections
• www.montessori-namta.org - The North American Montessori Teachers Association

Books and Publications:

• The Montessori Way: An Education for Life by Tim Seldin and Paul Epstein – This recently released book (2004) provides clear and comprehensive introduction to Montessori education.  We recommend this book as a great starting point.  It is currently available only through the Montessori Foundation. Click here to order.
• Montessori: A Modern Approach by Paula Polk Lillard – This book offers the clearest and most concise statement of the Montessori method for educators, childcare professionals and/or parents.
• The Essential Montessori by Elizabeth G. Hainstock – An introduction to the woman, the writings, the method and the movement.
• The Absorbent Mind by Dr. Maria Montessori – Montessori’s philosophy and her belief in “education from birth” through the “preparation of the environment.”
• Tomorrow’s Child, A publication of The Montessori Foundation – Published five times a year, Tomorrow’s Child is the official magazine of The Montessori Foundation, a non profit organization. Click here to see a sample issue and find information on how to subscribe to Tomorrow's Child Magazine.