Who Was Maria Montessori?
Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870. Unlike most women of her day, she studied mathematics, physics, and natural science. Although she originally planned to become an engineer, she became so interested in biology that she decided to study medicine. In 1896, ranking in the top of her class, she became the first woman to graduate from the university's School of Medicine.
Through her work as a hygienist Dr. Montessori became interested in the development of children confined to mental institutions. She began to work with these children and, through her intervention, they were able to pass the State Elementary School Exams. It was said she had performed a miracle! Dr. Montessori felt that it was certainly no miracle and if these children were capable of attaining this level of achievement, what then would be the level of work that healthy children could attain if given the proper environment? So began her years of work and study with children that evolved into the philosophy of education now called the Montessori Method.
Through her work as a hygienist Dr. Montessori became interested in the development of children confined to mental institutions. She began to work with these children and, through her intervention, they were able to pass the State Elementary School Exams. It was said she had performed a miracle! Dr. Montessori felt that it was certainly no miracle and if these children were capable of attaining this level of achievement, what then would be the level of work that healthy children could attain if given the proper environment? So began her years of work and study with children that evolved into the philosophy of education now called the Montessori Method.
