The Pedagogic Corner: Maria Montessori and Helen Doron - part 1
What is Montessori?
Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was one of the most important early years educators of the 20th century, the innovator of classroom practices and ideas which have had a profound influence on the education of young children the world over.
She was the first woman to graduate from the University of Rome medical school and became interested in education through her work as a doctor, treating what today are know as children with special needs. When she went onto establish schools for the disadvantaged children of working parents in Rome, she approached their education as a scientist, using the classroom as her laboratory for observing children and finding way to help them to achieve their full potential.
It soon became apparent that Dr. Montessori had developed a highly effective method of teaching which could be used with great success with each and every child. She began to travel the world, establishing schools, lecturing about her discoveries and writing numerous books and many articles right up to her death in Holland in 1952 at the age of 82.
Dr. Montessori left the world the legacy of a method of education which combines a philosophy of freedom and self development for children with a practical approach. Her children's houses, as she termed them, provide a safe, carefully planned and structured environment for children to work in. She believed that all children want to learn and can absorb knowledge without effort if they are given the right kind of activities at the right time of their development by teachers who are trained to observe carefully and respond to their individual needs. The philosophy underpinning her work is one of respect and care for all children: the ideal Montessori teacher is gentle, sympathetic and always looking for the best in any child.
Montessori also believed that her children's houses should teach peace, cross-cultural understanding and care of the environment. Although the approach was developed almost a century ago, her ideas are at the forefront of current educational thinking and remarkably well suited to a time when excellent nursery provision for all children has at last been recognised.
Early Learning with Helen Doron makes use of those Sensitive Periods
By Sara Hartmann
As both a Montessori and Helen Doron teacher from Ireland, living and working in Munich - Germany, I'm keen to share my experiences on the advantages of both these systems, pointing out some similarities and differences.
- What is Montessori? - part 1
- What is Montessori? - part 2
- What is Montessori? - part 3
- What is Montessori? - part 4