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How did Montessori education get started? #curious
Sep 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, 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
Dear Maria, We are making plans for next school year. What does Montessori offer students who stay for 6th year and middle school? Sincerely, Planning Ahead
Dear Maria, What is the Cedar Mural and why are students involved in this? Sincerely, A Cascadia Parent Dear Cascadia parent, The Cedar Mural has quite a history! I asked a former parent to help me out with this one. Thank you, Pat! Read about how this project offers adolescents a chance to give to their community and have a positive impact on the neighborhood. Part of the Montessori adolescent programs is helping students find their place in the greater adult world. The mural project gives students the sense that they matter and can implement positive change.
Dear Maria, How do science camps fit into Cosmic Education? Sincerely, Cascadia Parent
Dear Maria, I love Cascadia Montessori school! I wish every child could have access to such a great school! What’s being done to get Montessori to more children? Sincerely, Spread the Love
