Maria Montessori was, in many ways, ahead of her time. Born in 1870, she graduated in 1896 as the first woman doctor in Italy. After extensive experience in private practice, hospital work and research, she undertook further studies in education, philosophy, psychology and anthropology as a basis for her growing commitment to education.
At 28 she worked with a group of sixty young children of working parents in the San Lorenzo district of Rome, designing materials and techniques which allowed the children to work in areas considered beyond their capabilities. These children went on to pass the state exams.
When Maria was 37, she founded her first school, Casa dei Bambini, with poor children from the slums in Italy. Her unique approach led to surprising results. She observed that previously unruly children, when provided with experiences which corresponded closely to their stage of development, easily became absorbed in purposeful activities.
Fundamental to Montessori's approach was a great respect for the child as an individual. Montessori discovered their remarkable ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings and the desire to teach themselves. The child has certain 'sensitive' periods of development which leads to skills, such as language, refinement of senses and social behaviour. During a sensitive period, the child will acquire a skill without effort. If it is missed, the child then has to learn it later but with more effort. In the Montessori classroom, a teacher would recognise and respond to the needs of a child during these periods. When the children master a skill, they will deepen their independence and concentration.
The Montessori teacher is known as a Directress because she directs the child rather than teaches them. She encourages the child to respect others and treat them as they would wish to be treated themselves.
With her son, Dr Mario Montessori, she designed an extensive range of teaching materials to aid this process using all five senses. Each piece of equipment teaches a certain skill but can be often used in different ways. To this day the Montessori equipment is built to precise specifications.
Traditional schools are embracing aspects of Montessori education, and today there are about 7,000 Montessori schools worldwide.

To find out more about the Montessori movement, visit the website of the Montessori Society at www.montessori.uk.org