L’educazione come aiuto alla vita

Education as an Aid to Life offers a fascinating glimpse into Maria Montessori\’s personality and her educational philosophy regarding the issues of child growth and development. An indispensable work for anyone wishing to fully understand the pedagogue’s view of the child and the scope of her ideas in an ever-changing world.Mario M. Montessori Jr. examines Maria Montessori’s ideas about working in schools and, at the same time, expounds on the profound meaning and proper use of developmental materials; he sets forth ideas about the role of education in the formation of personality and the relationship of humans to the cosmos. Of particular note, finally, is the juxtaposition of the Montessori method with psychoanalysis and, more generally, with modern psychology.

Perhaps the most extraordinary result of [Maria Montessori\’s] approach was the intensity with which the children participated in the activities. Their whole personality was involved, and it was evident that they felt the kind of pleasure and satisfaction that one feels only when one’s basic needs are satisfied. The focus of the activities could not be on the outside world, but on the children themselves. They were forming their personalities, building the men and women they would one day become….
Mario M. Montessori Jr.