Transformation of Education
Dr. Montessori wrote, “Whoever touches the life of the child touches the most sensitive point of a whole which has roots in the most distant pas and climbs toward the infinite future.”Building on the wisdom and validity of authentic Montessori education practiced worldwide over the last 100 years, this section links Montessori education to the paradigms and twenty first century practices which share core values and integral thinking models in service to humanity.
The Child
“Within the child lies the fate of the future.” Building on Maria Montessori’s careful observations and powerful intuitions regarding the child, this category discusses the nature of the child’s development and its impact on the life of the child.
The Prepared Environment
Dr. Maria Montessori believed that “education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment”. To this end, she described how giving children liberty within a carefully prepared environment will diminish obstacles, thereby allowing the child the greatest advantages to their development. Building on Dr. Montessori’s critical descriptions of the developmentally prepared environment, this section discusses both indoor and the outdoor environments to best support a child’s educational, physical, and emotional development.
The Adult as Guide
Dr. Montessori believed that “the real preparation for education is the study of one’s self”. With this in mind, we look at how the adults in the life of the child, including parents, teachers, guardians, coaches, etc, can best prepare themselves for the task of guiding the child through his physical, intellectual, and spiritual development.