A Brief Outline of Maria Montessori

I need help developing an outline in the theorist Maria Montessori. It has to contain the following:

- The identification of the theory of choice and three details about it
- Three examples in which the theory/theorist correlates with your own personal style regarding Early Childhood Education

Outline

I. Background: Maria Montessori: first woman to earn a medical degree in Italy.
- Appointed assistant instructor in psychiatric clinic at University of Rome -
- Brought her into contact with retarded children in insane asylums.
- While there Montessori became interested in educational solutions to the children's impairments.

II. Developed a system for educating young children, hugely influential for all early childhood program

III. While working at Children's House, tested ideas and gained insights.
- Teaching led to perfection of system.

IV. Three details (or principles):
a) Respect for the child: Montessori found as a rule in the late 1800's - early 1900's, children were not respected. P. 142
- Blind expectations for them fo follow adult authority without regard to their needs;
- Teachers show respect when helping children do things and learn for themselves.
- Let them make choices.
b) Sensitive Periods: Children more susceptible to certain behaviors and can learn skills more easily. P. 142
- An example of a sensitive period - when children are ready to write.
- Teachers observe in order to detect these sensitive times. P. 142
c) Prepared Environment: environment prepared so they can direct their own learning;
- learning materials and experiences accessible;
- children are free to explore as they wish.

V. My Own Personal Style - 3 details
a) First way this correlates with my own personal style if the prepared environment.
- Belief as an educator that the more environment is organized - less chaotic;
- at early childhood level, students should have freedom to experiment with different materials.
- sensory materials and how they help expedite learning.
- take care of the environment - part of being a community member.
b) The learning - child centered and teacher does not intrude unless needed;
- observe children to see how they learn;
- modeling respect for all children - how they treat each other.
- demonstrate materials as needed.
c) Reflection of Contemporary Practices
- evidence of the integrated curriculum;
- active learning- use of manipulative materials;
- individualized - students proceed at their own rates of mastery.
- appropriate assessment - by observation ;
- developmentally appropriate practice - foundations of Montessori Method.