Materials and Educational Tools

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Maria Montessori was born in Italy in August of 1870. She became interested in the biological sciences and was determined to study medicine, something that was quite unthinkable for a woman of her time to pursue. She was ridiculed and only allowed to practice the hands-on skills in the evenings, when no men were present. Maria did become a physician and often worked with the poor, believing that it was her social responsibility to do so. This led to a request for her to visit Roman asylums, where she encountered many disadvantaged children.

In 1900, Dr. Montessori enrolled in the University of Rome to study psychology and pursued Seguin's theory of educating the senses through concrete experiences. In 1906, Dr. Montessori was asked to look after many children from age three to six, who were roaming the streets and getting into mischief. The first Casa Dei Bambini (Children's House) was started in 1907. Here Maria gained further insight into the nature of children. Forming the basis of all the discoveries, which she explained in her first book. The Montessori Method, published in Rome in 1912.

Maria Montessori devoted her life to travel, lecture and promoting Montessori education. She believed all children should be given the chance to "reveal themselves," learning through process and not focused on product. Her greatest hope was for children to become excited and enthralled with the universe surrounding them and to live in peace with themselves and others.