Smiles Montessori

Dr Maria Montessori was born in 1870, and 26 years later went on to become the first woman in Italy to become a qualified doctor. After qualifying she was appointed assistant doctor in a clinic within the University of Rome, to work and observe children in a scientific manner. Without the usual pre-conceived educational ideas, she was able to create new techniques of education, which would emphasize the 'unique' development of each child. This has led to the Montessori Approach believing strongly in spontaneity and independence whereby the child is encouraged to select their own activities to explore and manipulate for themselves.