Maria Montessori began her first internationally renowned school in a slum in Italy with children whose parents were totally illiterate—they could not read or write and were all low-level manual laborers. The children were little hoodlums too young to go to school and were busy with graffiti and ruining the neighborhood (sound familiar to any problems currently in our own country?) Well, Maria Montessori got a free space to set up in, had some basic materials made up that she designed, found a dressmaker to be the teacher and started class. Dr. Montessori describes the beginning as children in chaos, running rampant. However, it wasn’t long before they were choosing to do activities that led them to write and read at such a young age. No one believed it was true and many people came to check it out—even an Ambassador from Argentina on a surprise visit. Class was closed that day but a child gathered the other children on his own and they opened the class up themselves and had school with no teacher. That did it! Proof indeed that these little hoodlums had become civilized, peaceful learners.
Was it because money was spent on nice materials and lots of instructive curriculum with a professionally trained teacher, extracurricular activities, and homework? Absolutely not! It has everything to do with how we interact with children, recognizing their spirit, and respecting their flow of life. Physical activity and behavior is just a visible sign of the child’s internal spiritual life. When the spiritual life is fed and nurtured, the child settles down and becomes peaceful, curious, loving, and kind without any punishment or reward or pressure to behave as such.
So, where to begin? With some investigation—that means you reading. What to read? Start simple with something like: “Teaching Montessori in the Home, The Pre-School Years” by Elizabeth G. Hainstock—this a lovely little gem, easy to read. You will think it is definitely written quite recently, but then a glance at the publication page and you see the original copyright date of 1968! Another book to give you an excellent overview of Maria Montessori, the materials, and how to present them to children is, “Basic Montessori Learning Activities for Under-Fives” by David Gettman. This is another easy-to-read jewel that includes directions on how to make many of the Montessori materials yourself. I use “Montessori Matters” by Sister Mary Ellen et al Carinato as my Classroom Curriculum Guide; all the Montessori lessons/activities are thoroughly laid out for you in an easy-to-use format.
When you are ready to begin class, observe your child and purchase or make only the materials you need to see what is easiest or best for you. If you are wealthy you can buy premier Montessori materials at Nienhuis, but most of us go with the well-made Montessori materials from either Montessori Outlet, Alison’s Montessori, Kid Advance, or Montessori Services. You will be happy with any product from these companies. I do not vouch for any other company—you can be greatly disappointed with expensive geography puzzles when the pieces don’t fit, or discover paint that chips on materials, or flimsy products, it’s just not worth it.
Remember, we are talking about very young children who will in no way ever supersede your intellect or knowledge so should be able to keep up with their academics! It is the inner, spiritual child and the life revolving around that child, the entire environment that is most important.
Happy Trails!
Mrs. Curtis❤️
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