Early Career

After graduating in Rome, Montessori began working and researching at the University’s psychiatric clinic. She became a voluntary assistant there in 1897. She visited and observed children with mental disabilities at asylums in Rome. She was able to learn which teaching methods worked best for these children with developmental difficulties. Montessori noticed that they focused on even the tiniest new object like a fallen breadcrumb that came into their environment. She also discovered that the children built themselves from what they found in their environment. These observations became an important part of her future educational work.  Montessori began reading what others had published about working with children with disabilities. She became very interested in the work of three men: Edouard Seguin, Jean-Marc-Gaspard Hard and Jacob Rodrigvez Periera. Montessori was also interested in exploring other ideas about educating children in general. The following educators influenced her: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Johann Pestalozzi, Robert Owen and Friedrich Frobel. In 1889, Montessori began teaching at a college for the training of female teachers, where she discussed and explored ideas about education. In 1900 an Orthophrenic School opened, where teachers trained in educating mentally disabled children. Montessori was the co-director of the school. Montessori developed methods and materials that were later used with normal children. In 1902, Montessori enrolled in a philosophy degree at the University of Rome.

The First School: Casa dei Bambini

In 1907, Casa dei Bambini, also known as Children’s House opened.  Children between the ages of two and seven were enrolled at the school. Montessori observed the behaviors in the young children, which formed a foundation of her own educational method.  While working with the children she made many discoveries.