Early childhood education is fundamental to a child's later educational achievements and future success. The principles and practices of modern early childhood education have their origins in the past. While the educators who built the field have been the subject of many detailed studies, previous works do not provide adequate coverage of primary and secondary sources, multicultural educators, or more recent leaders in the discipline. This reference book provides biographies and annotated bibliographies of more than 30 pioneers in early childhood education from Johann Amos Comenius (1592-1670) and John Locke (1632-1704), to Maria Montessori (1870-1952), Leland B. Jacobs (1907-1992), and Lillian Weber (1917-1994). Special attention is given to multicultural educators, including Mary Church Terrell (1863-1954) and her work with The National Association of Colored Women. Biographies are arranged alphabetically, and each is followed by annotated bibliographies of primary and secondary sources. An introductory essay briefly discusses the history of early childhood education from the 17th century to the present. The following biographies are arranged alphabetically, and each includes a brief summary of the subjects contributions to the field of early childhood education. Each biographical sketch is followed by annotated bibliography of primary and secondary sources, including obituaries, articles, dissertations, and books. Works were selected because they represent the most interesting and informative sources by and about the educators. The volume closes with a chronological listing of the pioneers and a selected bibliography of general works on early childhood education.

The Montessori Method (1912) is a work on pedagogy by Maria Montessori. Originally written in her native Italian to describe the work she carried out at the Casa dei Bambini in Rome, the book was translated into English during a period of increasing popularity for Montessori and her educational method in the United States. By 1913, over 100 Montessori schools had been opened in the United States, prompting the educator to travel to the country on a lecture tour in December that year. Today, there are thousands of schools and classrooms around the world dedicated to the use of her method. “All human victories, all human progress, stand upon the inner force. Thus a young student may become a great doctor if he is spurred to his study by an interest which makes medicine his real vocation. But if he works in the hope of an inheritance, or of making a desirable marriage, or if indeed he is inspired by any material advantage, he will never become a true master or a great doctor, and the world will never make one step forward because of his work.” Through years of working with children as a physician and educator, Maria Montessori developed a unique method of scientific pedagogy emphasizing personal growth, individuality, psychology, and hands-on experience. First at her Casa dei Bambini and later at thousands of schools around the world, the Montessori method changed education for countless students and teachers alike, fostering understanding and respect without sacrificing the structures needed for children to grow into successful, confident adults. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Maria Montessori’s The Montessori Method is a classic of pedagogical literature reimagined for modern readers.

An essential resource for all students and scholars of early childhood education, this book offers a rich array of material about Maria Montessori and the Montessori Method. Distinguished education scholar Gerald Gutek begins with an in-depth biography of Montessori, exploring how a determined young woman overcame the obstacles that blocked her educational and career opportunities in Italy during the late Victorian age. The author then analyzes the sources and influences that shaped the Montessori philosophy of education. After laying the foundation for Montessori's development, Gutek presents an annotated and abridged edition of The Montessori Method (1912), the seminal work that introduced her educational innovations to a U.S. audience. The book concludes with key historical documents, including disciple Anne E. George's notes on the Montessori lectures and William H. Kilpatrick's critique of the Montessori method. Preserving the historical context of Montessori's contribution, Gutek also shows the continuing relevance of her thought to educational reform in the twenty-first century.

Certain aspects of the system are in themselves striking and significant: it adapts to the education of normal children methods and apparatus originally used for deficients; it is based on a radical conception of liberty for the pupil; it entails a highly formal training of separate sensory, motor, and mental capacities; and it leads to rapid, easy, and substantial mastery of the elements of reading, writing, and arithmetic. - Introduction.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook" by Maria Montessori. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

This volume is Dr. Maria Montessori’s study of education, with explanations of her philosophy of teaching and experimental scientific approach. Dr. Maria Montessori’s alternative method to early-years education is based on the natural development of children and encourages hands-on learning with access to the natural world. She shares her views on children’s imagination, intelligence, and behaviour while recommending the ideal learning environment and teaching exercises for the Montessori method. The chapters featured in this volume include: - A Survey of the Child's Life - A Survey of Modern Education - My Contribution to Experimental Science - The Preparation of the Teacher - Environment - Attention - Will - Intelligence - Imagination