A visionary philosophy
Maria Montessori was a visionary, not only in her philosophy of education, but in many other realms as well. Check out the links and books referenced below for insights into history of the Montessori method and contemporary application of her work.
“When we took the personality of the child into account in and of itself, and offered it full scope to develop in our schools – where we constructed an environment that answered the needs of his spiritual development – he revealed to us a personality entirely different from the one we had previously taken into consideration…. With his passionate love of order and work, the child gave evidence of intellectual powers vastly superior to what they were presumed to be. It is obvious that in traditional systems of education, the child instinctively resorts to dissembling in order to conceal his capabilities and conform to the expectations of the adults who suppress him.”
Montessori in the News
"The Montessori Mafia," The Wall Street Journal, April 5, 2011
University of Utah Researchers look at Montessori Middle Schools and find that “Environments that Promote Deep Engagement Yield More ‘Psychologically Complex’ Students,” 2005.
Suggested reading
The following is a very brief reading list for those of you who are interested in expanding your knowledge about Montessori. Many of these books are available in local libraries.
Montessori, A Modern Approach by Paula Polk Lillard
Montessori Today by Paula Polk Lillard
The Child in the Family by Maria Montessori
From Childhood to Adolescence by Maria Montessori
To Educate the Human Potential by Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori by Rita Kramer
The Elementary Method by Maria Montessori
Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius by Angelina Stoll Lillard