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How did Montessori education get started? #curious
September 14, 2021
It just so happens that I was born on August 31st, 1870! Happy belated birthday to me!
In school, I focused on math and engineering before studying medicine as one of the first women in Italy to do so (but not the very first). I worked in psychiatric institutions, performed anthropological field studies, and taught at a teacher college in Rome. I was also very active in the feminist movement, being the main Italian representative during the international congresses in Berlin in 1896 and London in 1899. As a doctor and scientist, I studied the work of French physicians Jean Itard and Edouard Seguin who worked with children with disabilities. These children were thought to be “un-teachable.” I also had the opportunity to work with children with disabilities as well as children in poverty. Through observation and work, I discovered that all children can grow and learn when given a prepared environment that meets their developmental needs and provides concrete or hands-on learning.
I started the first Montessori preschool, the Casa Dei Bambini (The Children's house/home), in Rome in 1907. The Casa Dei Bambini immediately generated great international interest. In the years from 1907 up to the first world war, visitors worldwide came to Rome to observe, and many Montessori schools were opened. I traveled to the US in 1913, filling the Carnegie Hall for a lecture, and returned in 1915 to participate in the World Exposition in San Francisco, where a glass-walled Montessori classroom was one of the attractions.
In the interwar years, international conflicts and debates slowed the expansion of the Montessori movement. It took until the fifties before a so-called second wave of Montessori schools started opening in the US, after my death in 1952.
In school, I focused on math and engineering before studying medicine as one of the first women in Italy to do so (but not the very first). I worked in psychiatric institutions, performed anthropological field studies, and taught at a teacher college in Rome. I was also very active in the feminist movement, being the main Italian representative during the international congresses in Berlin in 1896 and London in 1899. As a doctor and scientist, I studied the work of French physicians Jean Itard and Edouard Seguin who worked with children with disabilities. These children were thought to be “un-teachable.” I also had the opportunity to work with children with disabilities as well as children in poverty. Through observation and work, I discovered that all children can grow and learn when given a prepared environment that meets their developmental needs and provides concrete or hands-on learning.
I started the first Montessori preschool, the Casa Dei Bambini (The Children's house/home), in Rome in 1907. The Casa Dei Bambini immediately generated great international interest. In the years from 1907 up to the first world war, visitors worldwide came to Rome to observe, and many Montessori schools were opened. I traveled to the US in 1913, filling the Carnegie Hall for a lecture, and returned in 1915 to participate in the World Exposition in San Francisco, where a glass-walled Montessori classroom was one of the attractions.
In the interwar years, international conflicts and debates slowed the expansion of the Montessori movement. It took until the fifties before a so-called second wave of Montessori schools started opening in the US, after my death in 1952.
Dear Maria, Winterfest is coming up. What place do music, drama, and dance have in the Montessori classroom? Sincerely, Curious
Dear Maria, What are “Going Outs”? How do they help our children learn? Can I help? Sincerely, Cascadia parent Dear Cascadia parent, Going Outs are a key piece of the Montessori elementary experience. A Going Out is a child-led outing from the classroom and can take various forms. Children might go on an errand for the class community or for supplies for a special project (cooking, baking, arts & crafts, special experiment, etc.). They might go and see something in-person that they’ve been researching in class. Going to see a native animal or plant in its natural ecosystem, visiting the zoo to observe an animal, picking up books at the public library or visiting an expert to talk more about a topic or see a special demonstration might all be research-related going outs. The possibilities are endless and limited only to the child’s imagination…and to practicalities, because a vital part of Going Outs is that the children organize everything themselves! They’re responsible for organizing chaperones, transportation, necessary things to bring along, and getting an appointment or tickets if necessary. Going Outs are a huge part of how Elementary children learn about the world and practice independence! Many skills are involved in planning a Going Out, including map reading, learning about money, distance, time management, organizing a group, preparing practical items (using forethought to prepare for weather or unexpected events), and much more! Of course with the youngest children, your child’s guide and assistant will give lessons on Going Outs or assist them with planning their first trips. Young children might be invited to go along with an older and more experienced child and learn the process that way. Guides have established Going Out procedures to aid children in taking on this responsibility for themselves. (Part of these procedures involve notifying Susan in the office and parents & guardians about the going out date, time, and location, so don’t be worried about your child leaving campus without your knowledge.)
Dear Maria, Why is so much time spent on learning routines and procedures at the beginning of the year? Sincerely, Impatient
Dear Maria, What is Project Showcase? Sincerely, Still a New(ish) Parent!
Dear Maria, What's with the tape on the floor in the hallway?
Dear Maria, How can we support math learning at home? Sincerely, 2 + 2 = 4
Dear Maria, Can you tell me more about what independence might look like in the classroom? Sincerely, Curious
Dear Maria, What are transitions? Sincerely, In the Dark
Dear Maria, Last week you shared with us some current blogs on soil and our health. Can you tell us more about your thoughts on interdependence and interrelationships?
Dear Maria, Have you heard about sustainable agriculture? Sincerely, A CSA member
