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Spontaneous Activity in Education:
Spontaneous Activity in Education details the principles of Maria Montessori's educational philosophy, allowing the reader to grasp her unique and innovative style of teaching.
Published in the early 20th century and translated to English in 1917, this manual of education contains a step-by-step account of the approach Montessori took in teaching youngsters. Although a doctor by trade, Montessori held a profound interest in the development of young people's minds, and how best to ensure they fulfill their academic potential. To this end, she devised a system of education which aims to give every child the best chance of success, irrespective of their individual capacity for learning.
In this book, the Montessori system is explained in terms useful for parents and teachers alike. Explaining the nature of a child's life, Montessori discusses her personal contributions to experiments in education, and how when these were applied correctly the achievement and advancement of children was improved versus other educational methods of the time.
Montessori notes that teachers must themselves be prepared and passionate for what they do, and that the environment in which children learn must itself encourage the learning process. Examinations on individual children's will to learn, their attention spans, intelligence and perception, plus their imaginative capacities all comprise their own in-depth chapters.
This edition of Spontaneous Activity in Education possesses all the tables and diagrams Montessori originally used to demonstrate her points. End notes are appended at the conclusion of the book for ease of reference throughout the text.
Published in the early 20th century and translated to English in 1917, this manual of education contains a step-by-step account of the approach Montessori took in teaching youngsters. Although a doctor by trade, Montessori held a profound interest in the development of young people's minds, and how best to ensure they fulfill their academic potential. To this end, she devised a system of education which aims to give every child the best chance of success, irrespective of their individual capacity for learning.
In this book, the Montessori system is explained in terms useful for parents and teachers alike. Explaining the nature of a child's life, Montessori discusses her personal contributions to experiments in education, and how when these were applied correctly the achievement and advancement of children was improved versus other educational methods of the time.
Montessori notes that teachers must themselves be prepared and passionate for what they do, and that the environment in which children learn must itself encourage the learning process. Examinations on individual children's will to learn, their attention spans, intelligence and perception, plus their imaginative capacities all comprise their own in-depth chapters.
This edition of Spontaneous Activity in Education possesses all the tables and diagrams Montessori originally used to demonstrate her points. End notes are appended at the conclusion of the book for ease of reference throughout the text.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1916
About the author
Maria Montessori
617 books729 followersMaria Montessori was an Italian physician, educator, philosopher, humanitarian and devout Catholic; she is best known for her philosophy and the Montessori method of education of children from birth to adolescence. Her educational method is in use today in a number of public as well as private schools throughout the world.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 24, 2022
Every educator should read this primary source. Such prophetic wisdom that illuminates pedagogical principles now taken for granted
October 18, 2020
Goes into a lot of her reasoning and her history as to how she came up with her theories. (she digresses a lot) A lot of religion. Would shock those that feel her method is bad because of the inclusion of evolution.
All in all not for light reading. This is hardcore Montessori. Part are difficult to get thru because you want to know where she is going with something. She definitely doesn't write for the modern reader. She meanders.
All in all not for light reading. This is hardcore Montessori. Part are difficult to get thru because you want to know where she is going with something. She definitely doesn't write for the modern reader. She meanders.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2021
My trusty kindle tells me I highlighted over 120 passages. There are many ideas to revisit, probably why Montessori wrote so many subsequent books (which are more widely read... not sure why I chose to read this particular one). I started off inclined to value most of Montessori's opinions and learn from her in her own words, because of what I have seen with my own rambunctious boys in their education by a true Montessorian.
This took forever to read - it's dense, and often philosophical, written in and for a different time. There are many beautiful inspiring passages about the innocence of children and role of religion in guiding us. But, there is praise for eugenics (cringe!), so Montessori can take a seat next to many people who helped shape our world who had great and also horribly misguided ideas.
This took forever to read - it's dense, and often philosophical, written in and for a different time. There are many beautiful inspiring passages about the innocence of children and role of religion in guiding us. But, there is praise for eugenics (cringe!), so Montessori can take a seat next to many people who helped shape our world who had great and also horribly misguided ideas.
Want to Read
July 3, 2010Available in public domain here: http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/24727
October 11, 2010
Enriching the environment is a vital part of the educational process.
A rich environment allows the child to " Thus makes progress in his own perfection".
A rich environment allows the child to " Thus makes progress in his own perfection".
September 22, 2011
Good but really really dry. There wasn't a whole lot of spontaneous reading with this one - hmm, maybe Montessori would say my brain didn't really need it then :-)
September 28, 2012
Definately dry reading, but worth it. Very good insight into how our children learn and how to present learning opportunities to them.
July 15, 2013
Montessori has some insights. but she relays a lot of crazy material that hurts her case
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July 6, 2017Maria Montessori wrote from a heart that was filled with lightning. Montessori's genuinely erudite exploration of attention, will, and imagination makes this book a profound treasure. Her analysis of spontaneous activity is essential reading -- for parents and teachers. And Montessori's exploration of the dangers of passive "learning" is fundamental to understanding that a person cannot escape the abyss of despair & meaninglessness if the will is trained to be passive -- a receiver of information or knowledge rather than a creator.
A note on the edition: It was difficult for me to find a good edition of this book. All the editions I found were reprints with at least a handful of glaring errors -- e.g., no page numbers. Still the power, vitality, vision, strength, and beauty of Montessori's arguments come shining through.
A note on the edition: It was difficult for me to find a good edition of this book. All the editions I found were reprints with at least a handful of glaring errors -- e.g., no page numbers. Still the power, vitality, vision, strength, and beauty of Montessori's arguments come shining through.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews