MONTESSORI EDUCATION Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian physician whose career was dedicated to the study of children. She discovered that the characteristics at each stage of human development are unique, and that the foundation of the whole personality is laid during the early years of life.  In her medical practice her clinical observations led her to analyze how children learn.  After extensive research, she concluded that they construct themselves from what they find in their environment. Dr. Montessori’s approach is a unique combination of philosophy, psychology, educational theory, and instructional materials guided by an understanding of developmental stages and respect for individual characteristics.  Through her years of experience with children around the world, Dr. Montessori proved that children are able to learn to read, write and calculate as easily and naturally as they learn to walk and talk. The Montessori environment allows children to learn independently in a setting carefully prepared and monitored by an educator trained to work with children of that specific age group. Each child usually has the same teacher for three years.  This creates a strong bond between teacher, child, and parents. In a non-graded class of mixed ages the children spontaneously and independently use materials designed by Dr. Montessori. They choose their own activities and develop practical and intellectual abilities through individual discovery and exploration of language, mathematics, geography, geometry, art and music. Multiage grouping allows the child to proceed at an individualized pace. Staff keep records and notes about each child’s work within the environment.  Progress in social and emotional development is also noted and shared during parent conferences. In a Montessori school, parents are encouraged to attend meetings on school philosophy and practice. Today there are close to five thousand private and two hundred public Montessori schools in the United States. Montessori Schools are recognized and respected the world over for creating a learning environment that fosters initiative, self-esteem and the joy of learning.