Over 100 years ago, an Italian physician inspired the birth of a worldwide educational movement. Dr. Maria Montessori, one of Italy’s first female physicians, became interested in education while caring for mentally challenged children in a psychiatric clinic in Rome. There she combined sensory-rich environments and hands-on experiential techniques in the hopes of reaching children previously labeled “deficient and insane.” The experiment was a resounding success. Within two years, the children were able to pass Italy’s standardized public school tests. 

As a scientist she believed that careful observation could help her understand the learning process.  Dr. Montessori worked hard to create manipulative materials that capitalized on a child’s ability to learn through their senses.  She sought to break the learning process into easy, digestible steps so that each child could achieve success.  She also created a classroom which was scaled for children, with child sized furniture and low shelves so the children  could feel comfortable, independent and self sufficient in their learning environment.