Maria Montessori (1870-1952), an Italian physician, and educator, made significant contributions to the field of education. Throughout her career, she wrote numerous articles and publications focusing on her educational philosophy and methodology. If you are considering sending your child to a Montessori school, you will find reading Dr. Montessori's writings worthwhile.
A word of caution: Dr. Montessori never trademarked her name. As a result, just because a school has the name Montessori doesn't mean it is the real thing. Caveat emptor! Buyer beware! Read 5 Clues That It Might Not Really Be A Montessori School to see what I mean.
Here are some notable articles written by Maria Montessori:
"The Montessori Method" (1909)
Considered one of Dr. Montessori's most influential works, this article introduced Montessori's innovative educational approach, emphasizing the importance of the prepared environment, freedom of choice, and hands-on learning experiences.
"The Montessori Elementary Material" (1917)
In this article, Montessori discussed the materials and activities she designed specifically for the elementary level, highlighting the role of independence, exploration, and abstraction in children's education.
"The Four Planes of Education" (1949)
Montessori outlined her theory of the four planes of development, which proposed that children go through distinct stages of growth and learning, each with its own characteristics and educational needs.
"The Secret of Childhood" (1936)
In this article, Montessori explored childhood's psychological and developmental aspects, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment that nurtures the child's natural tendencies and promotes self-discipline.
"Education for a New World"