origination of montessori.
Dr. Maria Montessori was born in 1870 in Italy. She was an engineer, physician, and educator, devoted to helping children around the world. When working at the University of Rome's psychiatric unit, she became interested in treating children. She went back to school and studied philosophy and psychology. In 1907, Montessori's success coaching children from the slums of Rome made her known around the world.
She wrote, "It is true we cannot make a genius. We can only give each individual the chance to fulfill his potential to become an independent,secure and balanced human being.
"Maria Montessori believed that children in their early years (specifically ages 2 to 6) are particularly sensitive to learning skills. She believed that a child is motivated from within by a natural curiosity and that a child during these years has what she called an "absorbent mind".
