1. Child Development Theorist

2. Studied children in Italy in the poorest of neighborhoods It was thought these children could never learn Through her methods, she proved that almost all children have the ability to learn. There are still Montessori schools all over the United States Many other schools use parts of her theories in their programs. MARIA MONTESSORI 1870-1952

3. Believed children learn naturally if put in a prepared environment Appropriate materials Learning Games Child sized tables chairs Use of color MARIA MONTESSORI

4. Use of prewriting skills Children should play games and sing songs Children should use materials to strengthen their muscles, both large and small through play and use of arts and crafts materials. MARIA MONTESSORI

5. The classroom environment is set up so the children can learn from each other. It contains learning stations Materials are within a child’s reach Everything in the room has it’s own place MARIA MONTESSORI

6. Students have a great deal of independence Teachers never interrupt a child’s task Great respect is given fo a student’s instinctive pursuit of learning While materials may be child-sized, they are not modified to make them less breakable Part of the learning process occurs when students break materials or don’t follow the directions and a project doesn’t turn out the way it should. (There are consequences for each and every action. ) MARIA MONTESSORI

7. Special training is needed to teach in a Montessori school These schools are increasing in popularity around the world This method works well with students with special needs and ELL students MARIA MONTESSORI