Maria Montessori's 142nd birthday was just this past August 31st. I love that everyone is talking about it. Montessori is being pushed out into the mainstream media, creating more awareness. However, I also fear that even more miseducation could result from some of this.
I am speaking specifically about an article that I saw via Tim Seldin. It was posted on the Christian Science Monitor website: 'Maria Montessori and 10 famous graduates from her schools.' Talking about the famous people who have done well thinking outside of the box can do great things for Montessori education. It demonstrates how the goal of Montessori is to make children think for themselves, to expand their horizons, and to feel comfortable as they do so. Brilliant minds are nurtured within this type of environment. Educating the child for life has long-lasting effects that reach way into adulthood. This is all true. I see it in myself as a grown-up Montessori child.
One effect I see of constantly bringing up these famous Montessori kids is that many parents start to expect you to magically turn their kid into some kind of a superstar. They think that by enrolling their kids into a prestigious Montessori school, we will create these amazing creatures. We don't. These children come to us already as amazing creatures. We just help to lay a stronger foundation in their lives to help them blossom and grow and to realize their potential. The child is the one doing the work, not us.
The one page that haunted me the most was the one featuring Dakota Fanning. In it, she says that she learned how to read at the age of two and that Montessori teaches kids how to read at a really, really young age.
So did I. In fact, that was the reason that my parents sought some kind of appropriate education for me. They chose Montessori, not because children read early, but because it was the kind of environment that would stimulate my mind and educate me at my level. Even though I was reading at such a young age, I still needed to study phonics from the beginning. I distinctly remember tracing sandpaper letters and practicing their sounds. My early reading was all through sight word recognition that I had picked up on my own. I didn't have a grasp of phonics.
I find that parents often expect us to teach their children to read at the age of 3. Some of my toddler teacher friends have encountered parents who expect their children to read even at their level. You cannot force reading on a child. All you can do is give him as much exposure as possible. Feed into those sensitive periods for language with phonics exposure. Enrich the child's language environment. The child will learn how to read when he is ready. Sometimes that doesn't happen until the child is about seven years old, regardless of the child's educational background. Some of them will read at a younger age. Those who read at a younger age often have the skills ready to go at the surface. They just need someone to show them the way to let out those skills. THAT is what we can provide to the child, not teaching them at such a young age. It is not a guarantee.
I am glad that I encountered this story at the beginning of the school year. It just serves to remind me (and should all of us) how important parent education is. In some ways, we have to educate the parents even more than the children, so that they understand what we are really doing.
Showing posts with label Maria Montessori. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maria Montessori. Show all posts
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Montessori A to Z: M is for Maria
Maria Montessori has long been one of my heroes. If it weren't for her, I would not be who I am today. Because of her, my parents sent me to an amazing Montessori school that helped me to broaden my horizons and experience the world in a way that I never would have in traditional school. Because of her, I found my calling as an educator, using her methods. I do not work well in other educational environments, and I have tried them. Montessori just naturally speaks to me, as it does to many who give it a shot.
Maria was an inspirational woman in her life, beyond just developing this educational method. She was the first female engineer in Italy. She was the first female doctor in Italy. She was a pioneer of her times and believed that you could do anything you set your mind to. When I was in the third grade, we put on the play "You Can Be What You Want to Be." I desperately wanted to play Maria, but alas, I ended up with the role of her mother. In a way, I would still like to be Maria. I like to learn everything I can and read everything I can get my hands on. I strive to be the best teacher for each child's individual needs. If I can't do it myself, I ask for help. I want to teach the world about the philosophy and how to implement it into daily life. It is such a natural way of being. My parents were natural Montessorians, only they didn't realize it until I was taking my training and could identify it for them. To them, it was just mimicking how they were brought up.
As we are having discussions at school, we often ask ourselves, "What would Maria do?" We look to her for guidance as we make decisions about how to bring Montessori to the next level, 100 years later. How much of it stays the same and which pieces can be updated? We strive to preserve her teaching and ideas, while simultaneously adapting to today's society, much as she did during her career.
My father deeply believed in helping me stay in touch with my Montessori roots. There was one special Christmas soon after my training was complete and I was working in my own classroom. He had done a lot of research and purchased some antique Montessori books for me. A couple of them, including The Montessori Method, were first English editions. This, however, was my most prized gift:
It says "Maria Montessori - Roma, Italia" and then something about San Diego in 1918. In theory, this is an authentic Maria Montessori signature/autograph. I cried like a baby when I opened it. I had my parents store it for me when I was in the middle of moving. I didn't realize they had sent it to me in a box several years ago. When Mom moved into the nursing home and Dad died last year, we quickly had to empty out their house. Several boxes were left in storage and went to auction. I was convinced that this was in that storage unit and thus lost to me forever. On the anniversary of my father falling ill and going into a coma, I located this in that box in my attic. I again cried like a baby.
Somehow, I feel more spiritually connected to Maria when I handle this and my older books. The more in touch with her I feel, the better I am for my kids.
Maria was an inspirational woman in her life, beyond just developing this educational method. She was the first female engineer in Italy. She was the first female doctor in Italy. She was a pioneer of her times and believed that you could do anything you set your mind to. When I was in the third grade, we put on the play "You Can Be What You Want to Be." I desperately wanted to play Maria, but alas, I ended up with the role of her mother. In a way, I would still like to be Maria. I like to learn everything I can and read everything I can get my hands on. I strive to be the best teacher for each child's individual needs. If I can't do it myself, I ask for help. I want to teach the world about the philosophy and how to implement it into daily life. It is such a natural way of being. My parents were natural Montessorians, only they didn't realize it until I was taking my training and could identify it for them. To them, it was just mimicking how they were brought up.
As we are having discussions at school, we often ask ourselves, "What would Maria do?" We look to her for guidance as we make decisions about how to bring Montessori to the next level, 100 years later. How much of it stays the same and which pieces can be updated? We strive to preserve her teaching and ideas, while simultaneously adapting to today's society, much as she did during her career.
My father deeply believed in helping me stay in touch with my Montessori roots. There was one special Christmas soon after my training was complete and I was working in my own classroom. He had done a lot of research and purchased some antique Montessori books for me. A couple of them, including The Montessori Method, were first English editions. This, however, was my most prized gift:
It says "Maria Montessori - Roma, Italia" and then something about San Diego in 1918. In theory, this is an authentic Maria Montessori signature/autograph. I cried like a baby when I opened it. I had my parents store it for me when I was in the middle of moving. I didn't realize they had sent it to me in a box several years ago. When Mom moved into the nursing home and Dad died last year, we quickly had to empty out their house. Several boxes were left in storage and went to auction. I was convinced that this was in that storage unit and thus lost to me forever. On the anniversary of my father falling ill and going into a coma, I located this in that box in my attic. I again cried like a baby.
Somehow, I feel more spiritually connected to Maria when I handle this and my older books. The more in touch with her I feel, the better I am for my kids.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Essential Montessori Reading From the Early 20th Century
I believe that to be an effective Montessori educator, you must have an innate ability to do so. At the same time, you have to continually educate yourself about the philosophy, child development and psychology. Maria knew what she was talking about 100 years ago, which is why her philosophy still works today. If you pay attention, other educational methods have been pulling from her ideas, even if they are not always giving her credit.
Dozens of books have been published in the last couple of decades, hoping to bring Montessori back to a modern audience. Countless blogs are also available across the Internet. While these modern interpretation are wonderful, we also need to remember to go back to the source.
While perusing free books across the Internet, I finally came across a large selection of Montessori books that are free from Google Books. In addition to Maria's own words are some thoughts from her contemporaries during the time she was alive. There is something inspirational to take a look at the philosophy from a historical standpoint. Here is a list of Maria's books and others that are available for you to download to your e-reader, or even peruse on your computer.
books by Maria....
The Montessori Method
This is the original book that introduced Maria's philosophy to the world. In this book she provides the basis of her philosophy, how it was developed, how it relates to child development, how to prepare the teacher, and activities for in the classroom. It also includes many photographs of Maria working in her own environment, which is truly inspiring.
This is a digital copy of the first English edition from 1912. I actually own my own copy of a first English edition, in addition to a more modern version. I feel much more connected when holding that book in my hands. Consider this like a first draft.
Get your Google Books copy here.
Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook
What I love about this book is how it breaks down the didactic equipment into easy to understand terms. Learn what each material is meant for and how to implement its proper use. It is a great reference for parents who are wondering what these materials are that the teachers and children are talking about. It also is a great quick reference for assistants and teachers who are reviewing materials and lessons.
The photographs may be in black and white, but they are still quite informative.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Advanced Montessori Method, Volume 1: Spontaneous Activity in Education
In this book, Maria goes into even more detail about her philosophy of education. She delves into more child development, preparation of the teacher and preparation of the environment. She also addresses social issues of the time, as well as educational philosophy of the time.
Get your Google Books copy here.
Pedagogical Anthropology
This is a collection of speeches by Maria Montessori, regarding the physical and spiritual development of the child.
Get your Google Books copy here.
books by others....
A Montessori Mother by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Dorothy Canfield Fisher was one of Maria Montessori's biggest advocates back in the day. She was determined to bring Montessori to America and often wrote about it. This book is her meditation on the Montessori method, after reading the book and actually traveling to Italy to witness the schools in action. She discusses how parents can apply the method within their own homes. It is a parent speaking to other parents.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori Manual by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
In this book, Dorothy Canfield Fisher attempts to break down The Montessori Method by Maria Montessori, into an easier-to-read format. While maintaining the integrity of the original work, she tries to strip away the drier philosophical passages and instead focuses on the concrete nuts and bolts of methodology and materials.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori System by William Heard Kilpatrick
Kilpatrick was an advocate of the Progressive Education movement. A student of John Dewey, he developed his own method of education that used a thematic approach. He, like Montessori, believed the child should be guided through education based on his own interests, and should incorporate all senses while doing so. This is his explanation of the Montessori philosophy.
Get your Google Books copy here.
A Guide to the Montessori Method by Ellen Yale Stevens
Ellen Yale Stevens spent many years studying John Dewey. In the dedication section of this book, she thanks him for paving the way for Americans to be receptive to the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori. Her purpose in writing this book was to apply her understanding of the Method to Americans. She wanted to clear up any misconceptions that came with the initial introduction in the United States. She also offered up her ideas on how to implement the method in the US, based on experiments she performed during one summer.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori Principles and Practice by Edward Parnall Culverwell
Edward Parnall Culverwell lived in London in the early 20th century. He was disillusioned by Plato and hoped that Montessori would be able to bring back some practicality in education. He is very critical of her work in this interpretation.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori Didactic Apparatus by the House of Childhood
I love this one. It is a catalog of Montessori materials from 1913. With each picture is an explanation of the material and how it is to be used. How wonderful it would be for current manufacturers to do the same in their catalogs!
Get your Google Books copy here.
Montessori Children by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey
Carolyn Sherwin Bailey was a student of child psychology who took time to go to Italy to observe Maria Montessori and her children in action. This book is a compilation of her observations and opinions following her trip.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Kindergarten and the Montessori Method by Martha MacLear
Martha MacLear seeks to take the teachings of Froebel, whose kindergarten concept had only been existence for 50 years at this point, and merges them with Montessori. In some ways, we are still doing this today.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori System of Child Culture by Clara E. Craig, Rhode Island Dept. of Education
This is a review of a Montessori training course from 1913. The State Department of Education actively seeks out information to better help children in their school. At that time, Montessori was new, yet warranted further investigation. Findings are that teachers would benefit from studying the philosophy.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori Method and the American School by Florence Elizabeth Ward
Florence Elizabeth Ward was a Professor of Kindergarten Education at the Iowa State Teachers College. She is another who went to study the teachings of Maria Montessori first-hand, and experimented with the techniques with some of her own students.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori System in Theory and Practice by Theodate Louise Smith
This is yet another American's look at the Montessori Method and how it can be implemented in the American school system.
Get your Google Books copy here.
Dozens of books have been published in the last couple of decades, hoping to bring Montessori back to a modern audience. Countless blogs are also available across the Internet. While these modern interpretation are wonderful, we also need to remember to go back to the source.
While perusing free books across the Internet, I finally came across a large selection of Montessori books that are free from Google Books. In addition to Maria's own words are some thoughts from her contemporaries during the time she was alive. There is something inspirational to take a look at the philosophy from a historical standpoint. Here is a list of Maria's books and others that are available for you to download to your e-reader, or even peruse on your computer.
books by Maria....
The Montessori Method
This is the original book that introduced Maria's philosophy to the world. In this book she provides the basis of her philosophy, how it was developed, how it relates to child development, how to prepare the teacher, and activities for in the classroom. It also includes many photographs of Maria working in her own environment, which is truly inspiring.
This is a digital copy of the first English edition from 1912. I actually own my own copy of a first English edition, in addition to a more modern version. I feel much more connected when holding that book in my hands. Consider this like a first draft.
Get your Google Books copy here.
Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook
What I love about this book is how it breaks down the didactic equipment into easy to understand terms. Learn what each material is meant for and how to implement its proper use. It is a great reference for parents who are wondering what these materials are that the teachers and children are talking about. It also is a great quick reference for assistants and teachers who are reviewing materials and lessons.
The photographs may be in black and white, but they are still quite informative.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Advanced Montessori Method, Volume 1: Spontaneous Activity in Education
In this book, Maria goes into even more detail about her philosophy of education. She delves into more child development, preparation of the teacher and preparation of the environment. She also addresses social issues of the time, as well as educational philosophy of the time.
Get your Google Books copy here.
Pedagogical Anthropology
This is a collection of speeches by Maria Montessori, regarding the physical and spiritual development of the child.
Get your Google Books copy here.
books by others....
A Montessori Mother by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Dorothy Canfield Fisher was one of Maria Montessori's biggest advocates back in the day. She was determined to bring Montessori to America and often wrote about it. This book is her meditation on the Montessori method, after reading the book and actually traveling to Italy to witness the schools in action. She discusses how parents can apply the method within their own homes. It is a parent speaking to other parents.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori Manual by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
In this book, Dorothy Canfield Fisher attempts to break down The Montessori Method by Maria Montessori, into an easier-to-read format. While maintaining the integrity of the original work, she tries to strip away the drier philosophical passages and instead focuses on the concrete nuts and bolts of methodology and materials.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori System by William Heard Kilpatrick
Kilpatrick was an advocate of the Progressive Education movement. A student of John Dewey, he developed his own method of education that used a thematic approach. He, like Montessori, believed the child should be guided through education based on his own interests, and should incorporate all senses while doing so. This is his explanation of the Montessori philosophy.
Get your Google Books copy here.
A Guide to the Montessori Method by Ellen Yale Stevens
Ellen Yale Stevens spent many years studying John Dewey. In the dedication section of this book, she thanks him for paving the way for Americans to be receptive to the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori. Her purpose in writing this book was to apply her understanding of the Method to Americans. She wanted to clear up any misconceptions that came with the initial introduction in the United States. She also offered up her ideas on how to implement the method in the US, based on experiments she performed during one summer.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori Principles and Practice by Edward Parnall Culverwell
Edward Parnall Culverwell lived in London in the early 20th century. He was disillusioned by Plato and hoped that Montessori would be able to bring back some practicality in education. He is very critical of her work in this interpretation.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori Didactic Apparatus by the House of Childhood
I love this one. It is a catalog of Montessori materials from 1913. With each picture is an explanation of the material and how it is to be used. How wonderful it would be for current manufacturers to do the same in their catalogs!
Get your Google Books copy here.
Montessori Children by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey
Carolyn Sherwin Bailey was a student of child psychology who took time to go to Italy to observe Maria Montessori and her children in action. This book is a compilation of her observations and opinions following her trip.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Kindergarten and the Montessori Method by Martha MacLear
Martha MacLear seeks to take the teachings of Froebel, whose kindergarten concept had only been existence for 50 years at this point, and merges them with Montessori. In some ways, we are still doing this today.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori System of Child Culture by Clara E. Craig, Rhode Island Dept. of Education
This is a review of a Montessori training course from 1913. The State Department of Education actively seeks out information to better help children in their school. At that time, Montessori was new, yet warranted further investigation. Findings are that teachers would benefit from studying the philosophy.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori Method and the American School by Florence Elizabeth Ward
Florence Elizabeth Ward was a Professor of Kindergarten Education at the Iowa State Teachers College. She is another who went to study the teachings of Maria Montessori first-hand, and experimented with the techniques with some of her own students.
Get your Google Books copy here.
The Montessori System in Theory and Practice by Theodate Louise Smith
This is yet another American's look at the Montessori Method and how it can be implemented in the American school system.
Get your Google Books copy here.
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