Editorial

This is the second issue of the newly-styled Communications, which presents a rich tapestry, connecting the past and the present. We recall the drive and force of Montessori’s ideas as manifest in history, and link those to today’s urgent call for Montessori ‘now more than ever’ before. A broad spectrum of Montessori’s work and endeavours is covered and her interest in the development of the child not being limited to the classroom is confirmed. She was an ardent champion for the rights of the child and Margie Mayfield has provided us with an outline of Montessori’s efforts in that respect.

Montessori’s own campaigns for a better world for children was acted upon by one of her disciples, Mary Cromwell, whose harrowing description of the plight of the little refugees, victims of the Great War, and their eventual hope for solace and peace in a Montessori environment makes compelling reading.

Montessori’s great interest in and talent for mathematics is well-known and her publications Psico-Geometría and Psico-Aritmética testify to her eminent understanding of the subject. Neither publication has ever been available in English. Italian professor of mathematics Benedetto Scoppola has recently embarked on a project to edit the original Italian manuscript of Psico-Geometría, with annotations, which will serve as the source text for an integral English translation to be published in the Centenary year. As an introduction, we are happy to be able to bring you an excerpt from the first chapter.

We all possess a mathematical mind, and should not be daunted by mathematics. Cheryl Ferreira, AMI Trainer at the Maria Montessori Institute, London proves the former and the Question & Answer section demonstrates how Maria Montessori went on to make the most of the presence of this mathematical mind and turn the acquisition of a knowledge of mathematics into a challenge and a source of joy for the child.

At the 25th International Montessori Congress in Sydney in 2005, Mary Hayes gave us an insight into “Montessori’s View of Cosmic Education” and how the child in the second plane ‘…is led along the path of Cosmic Education in a multifaceted approach.’ We learn about the significant keys to the universe and to the world in which we live that are provided for the child from six-to-twelve.

In her lecture “The Role of the Specialist”, Baiba Krumins Grazzini focuses on the role of specialists who work with and help the adolescents. She says: ‘…it is not enough to have teachers…adolescents need to experience diversity of human work and human knowledge that only a variety of experts can provide.’

Maggie Zimmerman, a recent graduate of the Maria Montessori Institute, London offers a refreshing look at “normalisation”.

As we stand on the threshold of the Centenary year, we reflect on Maria Montessori’s own stance on the threshold of 1907 and on her work and study which would establish her as an acclaimed pedagogue and champion of the child. To guarantee that the Montessori method will make an even greater impact in the next one hundred years, a Centenary Declaration has been created, see page ….. It can also be found on montessoricentenary.org and we would urge you to promote the signing of this Declaration.

Annette Haines’ lecture to the participants of the AMI Annual General Meeting leaves no doubt as to our role now and in the future. Let us heed her words and pledge: ‘To place all the children in our world at the centre of society and to assist them in becoming the transforming elements leading to a harmonious and peaceful humanity.’

In closing, we look forward to the Montessori Centenary Conference in Rome on January 6 and 7, 2007 and to counting you among our number on that auspicious occasion.