An essential resource for all students and scholars of early childhood education, this book offers a rich array of material about Maria Montessori and the Montessori Method. Distinguished education scholar Gerald Gutek begins with an in-depth biography of Montessori, exploring how a determined young woman overcame the obstacles that blocked her educational and career opportunities in Italy during the late Victorian age. The author then analyzes the sources and influences that shaped the Montessori philosophy of education. After laying the foundation for Montessori's development, Gutek presents an annotated and abridged edition of The Montessori Method (1912), the seminal work that introduced her educational innovations to a U.S. audience. The book concludes with key historical documents, including disciple Anne E. George's notes on the Montessori lectures and William H. Kilpatrick's critique of the Montessori method. Preserving the historical context of Montessori's contribution, Gutek also shows the continuing relevance of her thought to educational reform in the twenty-first century.

The Montessori method is educational philosophy as well as methodology. Originally was developed in the early 1900s by Dr. Maria Montessori as a way to educate the lower-income children. Many Montessori bases schools are elementary school or preschool in level, but there are some Montessori programs which begin with infants and/or end at 12th Grade.The Montessori philosophy is built upon the idea that children should develop and think differently than adults. Dr. Montessori believed in children's rights, children working to develop themselves into adults, and that this development would lead to world peace.

Presents early twentieth-century Italian teacher Maria Montessori's influential childhood education method, which allows pupils freedom and creativity in their learning.

Certain aspects of the system are in themselves striking and significant: it adapts to the education of normal children methods and apparatus originally used for deficients; it is based on a radical conception of liberty for the pupil; it entails a highly formal training of separate sensory, motor, and mental capacities; and it leads to rapid, easy, and substantial mastery of the elements of reading, writing, and arithmetic. - Introduction.

This book is Montessori's own exposition of the theory behind her innovative educational techniques. She shows parents, teachers and administrators how to "free a child to learn through his own efforts".

Maria Montessori (1870 1952), Italian Physician And Educationist, Born In Rome, The First Woman In Italy To Receive A Medical Degree (1894), She Founded A School For Children With Learning Disabilities (1899 1901), And Developed A System Of Education For Children Of Three To Six Based On Spontaneity Of Expression And Freedom From Restraint. The System Was Later Worked Out For Older Children, And Applied In Montessori Schools Throughout The World. She Opened The First Montessori School For Children In The Slums Of Rome In 1907.

Describes the child with warmth and with the exactness of the scientist.

In the period that has elapsed between the publication of the Italian and American editions, I have had, with my pupils, the opportunity to simplify and render more exact certain practical details of the method, and to gather additional observations concerning discipline. The results attest the vitality of the method and the necessity for an [Pg viii]extended scientific collaboration in the near future, and are embodied in two new chapters written for the American edition. I know that my method has been widely spoken of in America, thanks to Mr. S. S. McClure, who has presented it through the pages of his well-known magazine. Indeed, many Americans have already come to Rome for the purpose of observing personally the practical application of the method in my little schools. If, encouraged by this movement, I may express a hope for the future, it is that my work in Rome shall become the centre of an efficient and helpful collaboration. To the Harvard professors who have made my work known in America and to McClure's Magazine, a mere acknowledgment of what I owe them is a barren response; but it is my hope that the method itself, in its effect upon the children of America, may prove an adequate expression of my gratitude. Maria Montessori.

This volume is Dr. Maria Montessori’s study of education, with explanations of her philosophy of teaching and experimental scientific approach. Dr. Maria Montessori’s alternative method to early-years education is based on the natural development of children and encourages hands-on learning with access to the natural world. She shares her views on children’s imagination, intelligence, and behaviour while recommending the ideal learning environment and teaching exercises for the Montessori method. The chapters featured in this volume include: - A Survey of the Child's Life - A Survey of Modern Education - My Contribution to Experimental Science - The Preparation of the Teacher - Environment - Attention - Will - Intelligence - Imagination

Certain aspects of the system are in themselves striking and significant: it adapts to the education of normal children methods and apparatus originally used for deficients; it is based on a radical conception of liberty for the pupil; it entails a highly formal training of separate sensory, motor, and mental capacities; and it leads to rapid, easy, and substantial mastery of the elements of reading, writing, and arithmetic. - Introduction.