What is the future of Montessori?

Anytime you combine a one hundred year old proven method of education with a 'magical and revolutionary' new device there is bound to be some discussion. We want to let our readers know that we appreciate their comments and concerns and would like to take this opportunity to address them. 

First, we do not advocate the replacement of the Montessori classroom. On the contrary, we are trying to introduce new families to the Montessori approach to early childhood education. We hope to highlight the importance of Montessori by exposing a new generation to the force of her thought. There is no substitute for the actual, physical materials, nor the social interactions that comprise a Montessori environment. 

Second, we have carefully and thoughtfully translated the Montessori materials into iPhone and iPad applications. They are adherent to the Montessori philosophy of education. These applications are kinesthetic and proprioceptive, and incite the audio, visual, and tactile senses of the child. They also address the vestibular sense of balance. Additionally, positive feedback systems are delicately put into place, and control of error offers the child an authentic Montessori experience. 

Third, if Maria Montessori were alive today, we think that she would be at the Apple store, playing with an iPad, thinking hard about these complicated issues. She would be writing Steve Jobs letters, asking for advice. "What is this new gyroscope feature?" "Can we really duplicate the feel of sandpaper letters?" "Is it possible to create a positive feedback system?"  In our opinion, Maria Montessori would be trying to open up and discover new ways to think about how we learn. 

It is our belief that these apps will bring a new found awareness to the Montessori revolution in education. Montessorium will also allow an entirely different population to experience the brilliance of Montessori. Parents will Google Montessori and want to learn more. Existing Montessori students will return to the classroom with a renewed sense of joy and wonder. 

A parent summed it up best, "I look forward to this app since children 3 or 4 are VERY adept at using their PARENTS' iPads and iPhones - especially during long car trips and long waits at busy restaurants, doctor's clinics, and in airports and on airplanes...all of which we have experienced in the past weeks. Our iPad has been engaging, educational, and fun - and if Scholastic can make some apps for preschoolers, why not Montessori? Hurry up! Get it done!"

As many of you can imagine, comments have ranged from one end of the spectrum to the other. In our estimations, the relevance of Montessori no longer rests with Montessori. It rests with us. A new image of thought is emerging. Are we willing to engage in serious and complicated discussions? Are we willing to reassess the very ways in which children learn? What is the future of Montessori?