Montessori is Special

In 2006, I was invited to speak at the American Montessori Society’s 46^th Annual National Conference in Houston, Texas.  My workshop, “Addressing Unique Needs in a Montessori Environment” was based on the research Drs. Perri Klass and Eileen Costello presented in their book, “Quirky Kids.”  I felt this was a fresh look at Autism; after I attended an Erickson Institute lecture given by these two women, I felt it paramount to get the word out to fellow educators.   Since then, I have continued to serve as a resource for setting up and facilitating inclusive early childhood and elementary Montessori classrooms. 

Maria Montessori worked with the research of Seguin and Itard, who can be considered the forefathers of modern Special Education.  Based on what they had done, she further developed her ideas for sensory based education.  Maria Montessori was the first female physician in Italy, and her methods were based largely on the physiological being.  She placed a great importance on observation in a Montessori classroom, and as teachers we are obligated to observe carefully to see what activities the children are drawn to, and with what frequency.  She acknowledged that children have intrinsic needs, an inner drive or desire to complete a certain activity (and, in some cases repeat that activity) and an ability to acquire knowledge at a rapid rate.  She developed a method for instruction, materials to be used to carry out her method, and a philosophy of education.  She was a woman ahead of her time.  She felt the way to achieve a peaceful society was to impart unto each child a sense of peace and to cultivate in each child a sense of respect or reverence in nature.  She felt in a time of need or during a catharsis, a child can find solace in nature; and that through nature we can remain grounded during the difficult or turbulent times in life.  Dr. Maria Montessori acknowledged that children have a need for purposeful movement, an intrinsic desire to learn, and an inner driving force that motivates them towards certain activities.  She further believed the child must repeat that activity until that inner need is satisfied, not when the teacher feels the task is done.

April is Autism Awareness month.  I feel it is my obligation as an educator to provide a more clear understanding of the Montessori philosophy.  I hold an Illinois teaching certificate type 03 with middle school endorsements) and a Master of Arts in Teaching as well as Early Childhood Montessori credentials.  All children have unique needs.  All children are exceptional.  All children have unlimited potential.  All children deserve an opportunity to learn in a loving, supportive environment filled with their age peers all day, every day.  Montessori is exceptional.  Montessori is creative.  Montessori is unique.  Montessori is empowering.  Montessori is inspiring.  Montessori education was created for all children.   Montessori education is based on love, respect and peace for all things and of all things.  A Montessori education is special education.