Montessori's Spirituality Philosophy

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the work of Dr. Maria Montessori and provides a critical evaluation of her contribution to child's spirituality in general and how her recommendations from her book, "The Secret of Childhood" in particular, can be used to help educators today provide their students with superior learning opportunities and improved academic outcomes. A summary of the research and implications for educators today are provided in the conclusion

From the Paper:

"In spite of her predilection for using scientific methods and techniques in educational settings, Montessori was a firm believer in the spiritual nature of life as well and cited metaphysical reasons for her guidance. Her writings are sprinkled with references to the spiritual nature of some feature of the human condition supported by a scientific or biological example. For example, when she advocated a program for free lunches for schoolchildren, Montessori provided a rational reason in its support from a social problem-solving perspective, but she also employed a spiritual one as well: "The necessity of eating is itself a proof that the matter of which our body is composed does not endure but passes like the fleeing moment. And if the substance of our bodies passes in this manner, if life itself is only a continual passing away of matter, what greater symbol of its immateriality and its spirituality is there than the dinner table?" (Montessori, 1913, p. 17). While adults cannot imitate children to good effect (Montessori, 1963, p. 223), they are in an excellent position to help them use their spiritual interpretations of the world around them to identify opportunities for learning because of the enormous influence they have in children's lives."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Montessori, M. The absorbent mind. ---. (1964). The Montessori method.
• ---. (1913). Pedagogical anthropology. New York: Plume.
• ---. (1963). The secret of childhood. author. Bombay: Orient Longmans.

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