Considers the relationship between elementary and secondary education. Asserts that mixed-aged groups with a difference of 3 years promote cooperation and mutual support. Discusses scouting and sports as a means of fulfilling the void of purely academic schooling, asserting that organizations of this type provide youth with opportunities to…

Describes the German land schools, focusing on the Country Home School founded in 1898 and other early rural German educational experiments as a backdrop for an examination of Montessori's formulation of Erdkinder. Recommends a systematic historical study of ideas and writing surrounding the genesis of Erdkinder so that contemporary implementers…

Delineates the mismatch between adolescent needs and school contexts, pointing out necessity for more hand-and- head work for better integration of abstract and concrete processes, sensory richness, and a variety of engagement opportunities. Suggests that schools move beyond the usual precollegiate over-emphasis on higher reasoning skills,…

Discusses the basic discoveries of Montessori's Casa dei Bambini. Considers principles of Montessori's organizing theory: the absorbent mind, the unfolding nature of life, the spiritual embryo, self-construction, acquisition of culture, creativity of life, repetition of exercise, freedom within limits, children's discovery of knowledge, the secret…

Discusses the interpretive nature of Montessori education by characterizing the Montessori teacher as an observer of a living, growing, human design. Describes experiences working with Mother Isabel Eugenie in Philadelphia during the 1960s. (JPB)

Reflects briefly on the history of the Montessori movement. Advocates restoring the AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) to its original dimensions. Introduces plans for "Educateurs sans Frontieres" (Educators without Borders), an International Study Centre, and the organization of the AMI archives. (JS)

Discusses Mario Montessori's role in the Montessori movement. Reflects on the current state of the world and the plight of children, explaining that hard work is needed to combat current problems in the world. Advocates a reawakening to the fundamental work of Montessori in order to help future generations. (JS)

Asserts that Maria Montessori's concept of education is a theory, explaining that Montessori did not teach a method, but rather a vision for child development. Compares Montessori theory with five other educational theories. Emphasizes the power of different visionary, utopian educational theories which seek a definition of humans and their aims.…

Provides a glimpse of the Montessori past by sharing letters from and stories about Maria and Mario Montessori. Shares insights and lessons learned over a lifetime's connection the Montessori family. (JS)

Discusses the history of the Montessori movement in South Africa. Outlines the contributions and learnings from Montessori's 21 years in South Africa. Asserts that Montessorian actions in Africa have relevance to Montessori internationally. (JS)

Defines normalization and deviations in child development. Discusses the three different levels in the normalization process. Asserts that guiding the process of normalization should drive the practice of Montessori education. Concludes that whenever there are brief episodes of normalization, the true nature of the child shows itself. (JS)

Suggests that modern civilization isolates teens from real life and creates constraints that can result in psychosocial disorders. Explains that conflict in adolescence is caused by a mismatch between genetically programmed desires and culturally programmed opportunities. Outlines remedial actions that are necessary to make teenagers' lives…

Argues the need for children to have contact with the natural world and a role in the preservation of the environment. Explains that children's roles in sustainable development can occur only when adults allow children to act independently. Outlines problems with current ways of involving children in environmental movements. (JS)

Explains that in Maria Montessori's California presentations during 1915, she specified the difference between "her" teacher who observed, guided and learned from children and the "regular" teacher who taught what adults thought children should know. Conveys that Montessori advocated teachers be humble, patient, and learn to…

Discusses the development of the human hand from birth to age three as it contributes to the formation of human personality. Considers how parallels in eye, hand, brain, and motor skill development portray the evolving complexity and adaptation of the human grasp and illustrate Montessori theories about the relationship between physical experience…