Speaker Diana Bradley leads an exploration into Dr Maria Montessori and her vision for Early Years pedagogy.
Dr Maria Montessori’s theories on human development have become an international phenomenon. Today, her philosophies are widely adopted in homes and institutions, transforming the lives of young and older citizens.
From teaching poor children in the San Lorenzo district of Italy and the humble beginnings of her first school in 1907, the method has grown to establish itself as an effective approach for nurturing early childhood. Montessori was observing, assessing and planning for the foundation stage more than 100 years ago!
Living and working through the First and Second World Wars, she witnessed their adverse effects on children. What we now regard as trauma-informed practice became the bedrock of her approach; Montessori called for considerate learning environments, meticulously prepared with deep respect for children’s agency.
Her work led her to design materials that met children’s psychological, emotional and physical needs. These aids have now become renowned for supporting cognition of linguistic, mathematical and scientific concepts - perhaps the most iconic of these is the Pink Tower.
Montessori believed that education should serve a greater purpose than passing exams and individual progression. This three-time nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize saw children’s potential as peace builders, elevating them from marginalised figures in society to radical agents of global peace through her pioneering educational philosophy.
This presentation will be an overview of Montessori education and the movement across the world. You will leave with the resources and inspiration to adopt life-enhancing principles for children and educators.
Speaker
Diana Bradley holds a master’s degree in education with Montessori from Anglia Ruskin University. She also holds Montessori qualifications from birth to primary school age and has worked in the Montessori community for 30 years. She is Executive Director of the Montessori Society UK, an organisation that welcomes everyone interested in Montessori Education.