Who is Maria Montessori?
Maria Montessori was an Italian physician born on August 31, 1870, in Chiaravalle, Italy. She became one of Italy’s first female doctors in 1896. This was after an unconventional education starting in technical school and eventually shifting to medicine (Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), 2024).
Her passion for children, especially those with special needs, led her to develop the revolutionary Montessori Method of education. In 1907, she opened her first “Casa dei Bambini (Children’s House) in Rome, where she put her child-centered approach into practice. Despite facing many challenges, including the closure of her schools during fascist regimes, she continued to promote her method worldwide (Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), 2024).
Montessori’s philosophy wasn’t limited to children with disabilities – it evolved into an educational approach for all children. Her approach focused on nurturing a child’s natural curiosity and development. Her method emphasizes self-directed learning and independence. It has since spread across the globe, influencing education for over a century. She passed away in 1952, leaving behind a legacy of educational reform that continues to thrive (Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), 2024).
My Montessori Experience
My Montessori journey began in 2020 when my husband encouraged me to enrol in a 0-3 Years Montessori course with the Montessori Early Learning Foundation (MELF), in Cape Town. This programme, focused on Early Childhood Development, was an eye-opener for me. Through lectures, reading Montessori texts, and hands-on practice, I deepened my understanding of early child development. I especially loved working with practical materials designed for infants and toddlers. This experience not only shaped my professional path but also enriched my approach to parenting.
One of the best parts of the programme was my 12-week teaching practice in a Montessori classroom. This time helped me develop a keen sense of observation, which is essential in the Montessori method. I was pregnant during this time, and the Montessori principles I learned helped me in motherhood. Whether it was diaper changes, feeding, or potty/toilet-training, her approach of observing the child’s readiness for each task made the experience enjoyable.
Why I Love the Montessori Method
The Montessori method fosters child independence by allowing the adult to just “follow the child”. It’s all about observing your child’s development and responding to their unique needs. This is done without forcing the child to meet milestones they’re not ready for yet. I remember watching my daughter, at 13 months struggling to figure out the knobbed cylinders activity. Montessori taught me not to jump in and help her (even though she got it wrong). It simply meant she wasn’t developmentally ready yet, and that was okay. Over time, as she practiced, she was guided by the control of error, and I witnessed her finally master the task. This patient, observational approach is one of the many reasons I love Montessori.
Research Insight
What is the Montessori Method?
This is a very broad topic, but in simple terms, the Montessori method is a child-led approach to learning (Sapientia Montessori; American Montessori Society). It is based on scientific observations of how children learn from birth to adulthood (St. Nicholas Montessori). The goal is to develop the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. Montessori classrooms are carefully prepared environments where children are encouraged to learn at their own pace using materials designed to stimulate their natural curiosity (Sapientia Montessori).
Photo credit: Montessori on Kloof
Teachers in Montessori settings act as guides rather than traditional instructors. They set boundaries but also give children the freedom to explore and learn independently (Montessori school of Mallorca). This balanced approach helps children develop critical life skills like problem-solving, independence, and self-motivation. Unlike traditional education systems, which often focus solely on academics, Montessori promotes holistic development, including emotional and social growth (St. Nicholas Montessori).
What Does All of This Mean in Parenting?
Incorporating Montessori into your parenting doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about creating opportunities for your child to explore and learn in their everyday environment. For example, if your child shows an interest in cleaning, give them a child-sized broom and let them try sweeping. It won’t be perfect, but they’ll feel accomplished, and it helps develop their gross motor skills of balance and coordination (Montessori School of Oceanside).
Involving your child in simple tasks, like making the bed, sorting the laundry, or preparing meals, can also nurture their sense of responsibility and independence. Don’t worry too much about things being messy – children learn best through play and exploration. As Maria Montessori famously said, “Play is the work of the child.”
Conclusion
Today, the Montessori method is recognized worldwide, with over 20,000 schools practicing this approach. If you’re new to Montessori, like I once was, I recommend this child-centered educational method which emphasizes self-directed learning. It’s never too late to give it something new a try. This method has had a profound impact on my parenting journey, helping me become more patient and observant, among other skills. Instead of being forceful, Montessori encourages respect and allows each child to develop at their own pace.
Action Point
Are you interested in trying the Montessori method at home? Let us know in the comment section.
Reference
American Montessori Society. 2024. What is Montessori Education? Accessed on 13 September 2024. Available at: https://amshq.org/About-Montessori/What-Is-Montessori
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Biography of Maria Montessori. Accessed on 13 September 2024. Available at: https://montessori-ami.org/resource-library/facts/biography-maria-montessori
Montessori School of Oceanside. [March 7th 2024] Try This at Home: Sweeping. Accessed on 13 September 2024. Available at: https://www.montessorischoolofoceanside.com/try-this-at-home-sweeping/#:~:text=This%20movement%20helps%20to%20develop,an%20awareness%20of%20their%20surroundings.
Sapientia Montessori. 2024. Guide To Montessori Teaching. Accessed on 13 September 2024. Available at: https://sapientiamontessori.com/montessori/about-montessori/
The Montessori School of Mallorca. 2022. Montessori. Accessed on 13 September 2024. Available at: https://www.montessorimallorca.org/montessori-seven-principles/
St. Nicholas Montessori. 2020. About Montessori Education. Accessed on 13 September 2024. Available at: https://smsi.ie/what-is-montessori/