Unit One The Children and You 30 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. active. Montessori soon learned these methods could also be used with other children. This led to the development of the fi rst Montessori school in Rome. Montessori’s methods became known all over the world. After a short period of popularity, however, interest in this method declined for the next 40 years. In the 1950s, there was a rebirth of the Montessori method. Magazines and television helped make this method known. Today her philosophy, materials, and methods are used in private and public schools throughout the world. Montessori Approach In her fi rst schools, Montessori stressed proper nutrition, cleanliness, manners, and sensory training. Children also worked with special equipment she designed (Figure 2.3). These materials were self-correcting and required little adult guidance. The materials were organized by the teacher from simple to complex to make learning possible. By handling and moving the materials, the children’s senses were trained and they learned to think. They also learned number concepts as well as motor, language, writing, and self-help skills. Montessori believed in self-education in multi-age groups. The primary goal of the Montessori approach was for children to “learn how to learn” in a prescribed environment. After observing and analyzing the children, teachers would provide instructional materials. Materials were provided in a prescribed sequence, which related to the children’s physical and mental development. This self-directed learning approach allowed the child to interact with the environment by exploring materials. Montessori felt that this approach would provide the child freedom within limits. It would also help the children to learn logically. Daily-living exercises designed to promote independence are stressed in Montessori schools. Children must learn to care for themselves. Teachers provide little help. As a result, children learn to button, zip, tie, and put on coats and boots. The purpose of sensory training is to help children refi ne their senses and help develop intelligence. They learn touch, sound, taste, and sight discrimination. One piece of equipment for this training is a set of sandpaper blocks that vary in texture. The children are told to rub their fi ngers across the blocks. Their goal is to correctly Figure 2.3 Materials used in a Montessori school are designed to help children learn with little adult guidance.