Term Paper

"Hey, is this true?" Perhaps the eyes of Dr. Maria Montessori widened seeing a child working

with an educational material for a length of time. She says "I will not believe now. Next time I shall."

This observation of Dr. Maria Montessori incites her desire to find out about the Child. The

grandeur of human normality is dazzling. It was because the revelations were totally unexpected and,

therefore, unbelievable

Continuous observation of children in special environments and in the usually available situations

led her to several conclusions. We discuss some of them here.

The children, by the influence of the adults around them are made caricatures of adult normality.

They are not allowed to develop their own normality naturally. What is usually seen as child behaviour -

disobedient, careless, incapable of concentration for considerable length of time, irresponsible, etc-are not

the manifestation of their true nature. What is common need not be normal.

This unhealthy behaviour that is commonly manifested is because the children do not find the

necessary conditions for healthy development. Neither the assistance nor the freedom to develop is made

available to them. Dr. Montessori is very assertive about them.

This does not at all indicate that the adults, in whose custody the children are, do not care, in the

real sense. Adults profess that they have great love for children and want to give their best to children

even at the risk of making sacrifices. That is true. And the intentions cannot be questioned. But,

unfortunately, they are ignorant of the real needs of children.

In addition the adults are not aware of the fact that they do not know. They believe strongly that

what they are doing is the best for the child. Most of the time it is the contrary.

2.2 The forgotten citizens"

The attitude of the adults in helping the children seems to be