The way children learn and behave – the impact of the environment is dramatic and specific thus affecting how the brain is wired.
Dr Maria Montessori was well ahead of her time, and at a time where when many conversations and new ideas were developing regards education reform. But Dr Montessori was not about education reform, her work begun with a deep interest in the way children learnt and behaved. Through consistent scientific observation of children she began an incredible and remarkable journey into what we know today as Montessori education.
Today’s neuroscientists confirm what Maria wrote of her observations of children in the way they develop and learn. On the findings of the 1996 conference, Rethinking the Brain; Rima Shore wrote in her 1997 report, the importance of early brain development for the nation’s future well-being, thus pointing out major conclusions and implications for programmes in early education and human services.
Five parallels between today’s findings in neuroscience and the writings and observations of Montessori and Shore (Rima Shore. Rethinking the Brain; New Insights into Early Development. New York: Families and Work Institute, 1997); is that the brain is affected by environmental conditions including the kind of nourishment, care, surroundings, and stimulation an individual receives and the impact of the environment is dramatic and specific thus affecting how the brain is wired. –
(1) development hinges on the interplay between nature and nurture;
(2) early care has a long-lasting impact on development, the ability to learn, and the ability to regulate emotion;
(3) the brain has a remarkable capacity to change, but timing is crucial;
(4) there are times when negative experiences or absence of appropriate stimulation are more likely to have serious and sustained effects; and
(5) there is substantial evidence for the efficacy of early intervention.
This all resonates with Montessori education from birth as an ‘aid to life’ in fulfilling each child’s potential.
“This is education, understood as a help to life; an education from birth, which feeds a peaceful revolution and unites all in a common aim, attracting them as a common single centre. Mothers, fathers, politicians: all must combine in their respect and help for this delicate work of formation.”
Maria Montessori
The Absorbent Mind. Pg. 15/16
Yours in Montessori
Jacky