Montessori and Brain Development
Running head: MONTESSORI’S APPROACH AND RECENT BRAIN RESEARCH
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Montessori’s Approach and Recent Brain Research Brenda Gilstrap Adrian Dominican Montessori Training Institute May 14, 2011
MONTESSORI’S APPROACH AND RECENT BRAIN RESEARCH
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Abstract
New technological advances in brain research allow scientists better understanding of how the brain develops. From birth, the task of the brain is to establish and reinforce connections between neurons. Dr. Montessori’s approach on brain development in young children coincides with much of the most recent brain research. Dr. Montessori discovered from her observations that the early years of a child’s life is the period when the brain’s capacity for learning is at its peak. She frequently compared the young child’s mind to a sponge. Recent brain research agrees with her findings that a child’s brain develops from environmental factors. Things that influence positive brain development include loving relationships and meaningful interactions with their environment.
MONTESSORI’S APPROACH AND RECENT BRAIN RESEARCH
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The author’s rationale for selecting the topic of current brain development research and the works of Dr. Maria Montessori stems from a desire to understand how young children learn. Dr. Montessori stated that “In order to educate, it is essential to know those who are to be educated” (Hainstock, 1997). By understanding how the brain develops and learns it helps us as educators to be more successful with children. The reader can expect to learn how the brain begins developing in the womb. The reader will understand how the brain cells form and travel to the right places in the brain for the organization of neurological functions. Most of the baby’s brain is not completely developed at birth. It grows and develops through experiences in the environment after birth. The Bible states, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are thy works…” (Psalm 139:14 New American Standard).
1
Montessori’s Approach and Recent Brain Research Brenda Gilstrap Adrian Dominican Montessori Training Institute May 14, 2011
MONTESSORI’S APPROACH AND RECENT BRAIN RESEARCH
2
Abstract
New technological advances in brain research allow scientists better understanding of how the brain develops. From birth, the task of the brain is to establish and reinforce connections between neurons. Dr. Montessori’s approach on brain development in young children coincides with much of the most recent brain research. Dr. Montessori discovered from her observations that the early years of a child’s life is the period when the brain’s capacity for learning is at its peak. She frequently compared the young child’s mind to a sponge. Recent brain research agrees with her findings that a child’s brain develops from environmental factors. Things that influence positive brain development include loving relationships and meaningful interactions with their environment.
MONTESSORI’S APPROACH AND RECENT BRAIN RESEARCH
3
The author’s rationale for selecting the topic of current brain development research and the works of Dr. Maria Montessori stems from a desire to understand how young children learn. Dr. Montessori stated that “In order to educate, it is essential to know those who are to be educated” (Hainstock, 1997). By understanding how the brain develops and learns it helps us as educators to be more successful with children. The reader can expect to learn how the brain begins developing in the womb. The reader will understand how the brain cells form and travel to the right places in the brain for the organization of neurological functions. Most of the baby’s brain is not completely developed at birth. It grows and develops through experiences in the environment after birth. The Bible states, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are thy works…” (Psalm 139:14 New American Standard).
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