“Times have changed, and science has made great progress, and so has our work; but our principles have only been confirmed, and along with them our conviction that mankind can hope for a solution to its problems, among which the most urgent are those of peace and unity, only by turning its attention and energies to the discovery of the child and to the development of the great potentialities of the human personality in the course of its formation.”
Dr. Maria Montessori | From the foreword to “The Discovery of the Child,” Poona 1948
Though the quoted words above were written 70 years ago, Dr. Montessori’s thoughts still ring true. Technology advances, educational theories are proven, disproven and then abandoned, yet the development of children remains the same.
So, if you find yourself thinking, “Is a Montessori education still relevant?” The answer is, and always will be, yes. Montessori education centers around a child’s natural growth — referred to as the four planes of development. These planes are not bound by socio-economic status or culture but are a biological commonality each child shares. In every Montessori school around the globe, each environment is tailored to the needs of children in a specific plane of development to encourage auto-education. No technology or scientific advancement can adjust the process of human development. And thus, Montessori education is as relevant today as it was at the turn of the century.
While the world around us continues to evolve and become more connected, the importance of the model only grows. More than ever, we need to teach our children the importance of cooperation, understanding and adaptability.
If you read the works of Dr. Montessori, you’ll find continued references to peace and unity. Dr. Montessori firmly believed that holistic education that spurs discovery and independence in children was the key to bringing unity to the world. Her tools, instructions for educational guides, and outline of the four planes of childhood development have remained constant, and for more than a century have produced thoughtful, adaptable adults.
If you’re still not convinced, a visit to Maria Montessori School in Harbor Town will likely drive home the point. When you visit our campus, you’ll likely enjoy the quaint scenery and lovely outdoor spaces. But what is most encouraging is the interactions you have with our students. As you watch them maneuver the environment, you’ll notice attributes not often associated with grade-school children: respect for each other and items, calmness, desire to learn, among others. They are living breathing examples of the model in action.