Maria Montessori was a doctor and teacher from Italy who created a special way of learning where children explore and discover with their hands — used in schools all over the world today.
Quick facts
- Born
- 31 August 1870, Chiaravalle, Italy
- Famous for
- A new, hands-on way to learn
- Known for
- Letting children explore and discover
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One of Italy's first women doctors
Maria worked hard to become a doctor at a time when very few women did. She loved watching closely how children learn best.
Learning by doing
She believed children learn most by touching, moving, and exploring. She made child-sized tables and hands-on materials so kids could learn by themselves.
Schools everywhere
Today, thousands of “Montessori” schools around the world use her gentle, hands-on ideas to help children grow.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” — Maria Montessori
Why we remember Maria
Maria Montessori shows that curiosity is a wonderful way to learn. She was a brave woman in science, like Marie Curie, who opened doors for others.