Montessori Case

The 1st Montessori school was opened on 06.01.1907.

Maria Montessori was asked to take care of 50 children of poor and illiterate families. The parents had to search for work every day, so they had no time or means for education.

The sponsor, a real estate company, provided a house and funds for simple office or home furniture. There were no funds for medical care or food.

So, they made a table for the teacher, tables suitable for children, 3 children at a table and little armchairs. There were no flowers and no colourful decorations, so there were no illusions for impressive progress.

There was no special preparation besides Maria Montessori's previous experience with mentally deficient children.

She was inspired and was to have great surprises she never hoped for.

Considering the previous experience, she could compare the different evolution of the subnormal and normal children. A normal child continues an interesting activity with no break, until he learns it. When he stops, he is satisfied and happy as if he finally completed the work.

The first teacher, a simple working young woman had neither experience nor education in teaching. So she had no preconceptions specific to standard education system.

The teacher had been given no restrictions. Maria Montessori only presented the materials that she used before in her experience with subnormal children and the teacher was free to invent any activities.

So the teacher introduced new ideas, like small paper crosses as rewards or military salute.

This is how the first Montessori school started its adventure in "peace and isolation".

(Montessori 1972, p113)