Dr Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was the first Italian woman to qualify as a physician.

During her studies in psychology education, philosophy and sociology, she was able to study the child from birth through all the stages of growth. Her approach to education was developed through her work with disabled and poor children in San Lorenzo (a district in Rome). Through her observations she noticed that a child was capable of absorbing knowledge and acquiring skills at a very young age. She developed a unique range of teaching materials and an educational phylosophy which is still internationally respected and practised..

The very essence of Maria Montessori teaching method is that every single child is treated with respect, given freedom within the limits of carefully designed classroom environment, and allowed to develop naturally at their own pace.

In a typical Montessori classroom the children choose from a wide range of self-educating and self-correcting activities, working with each other as well as individually. The classrom is divided into sections where children can develop their interests and focus on a single skill, concept or exercise. There are: Practical Life corner (including simple and practical tasks such as sweeping the floor, laying the table etc,), Sensorial corner (including activities helping to refine the senses and enhance perception and concentration), Language and Literacy corner, Mathematics corner, Cultural corner (including history, geography and science activities), Creative corner (including art, music and drama). The role of the teacher is to introduce children to original didactic materials and then remain a "silent presence" in the classroom. The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist." Maria Montessori.