Montessori  Montessori Movement |
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Montessori pedagogical principles are rooted in a social movement intended to champion the cause of all children, in all strata of society, of all races and ethnic backgrounds, within and beyond educational institutions. The Montessori movement is recognised to have begun on 6 January 1907 when Dr. Montessori opened the first Casa dei Bambini in San Lorenzo in Rome. What followed has been called the "discovery of the child" and the realisation 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.” In 1929 Dr. Montessori founded the Association Montessori Internationale. The objectives of the association are to uphold, propagate and further the pedagogical principles and practice formulated by Dr. Maria Montessori for the full development of the human being. Montessori is the single largest pedagogy in the world with over 8,000 schools on 6 continents. The Montessori movement however is far broader and works to assist children and their families in a variety of settings. Montessorians serve as advocates for all children - championing the rights of the child in society.
Montessori in AustraliaMontessori education is growing steadily in Australia. There are currently 160 schools, educating approximately 12,000 children from 10,500 families. The majority of Montessori schools are run by community-based, non-profit associations. There are several privately owned schools and a few programmes within public school settings. Montessori indigenous learning programmes are also emerging, and indigenous communities appreciate the fact that their own culture is respected within Montessori classrooms. For further information about Montessori in Australia please contact: Montessori Australia Foundation Phone: 02 9986 2282 |
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