Recounts an anecdote about Maria Montessori's series of radio talks about children given during the early days of the Spanish Civil War. They illustrate the obtrusive nature of political oppression. As a result of these radio talks, Maria Montessori gained the title "Friend of the Children." (KB)

Examines the role of education in enhancing the natural spirituality of children. Maintains that when young children are given freedom of choice in activities, their behavior becomes gentle, compassionate, and purposeful. Asserts that children unconsciously build the basic structure of the human personality and that spirituality is evident in the…

Reprint of 1973 letter issued by the Association Montessori Internationale to its members regarding signs that although people have been striving for greater general welfare, individual rights, freedom, and leisure, extending reduced work and more leisure to children will disrupt healthy development. Describes necessary environments for healthy…

Describes the experiences of Maria Montessori and her son, Mario, during their internment in India during World War II. Discusses how their observations of communities of Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Zoroastrians at the Theosophical Society contributed to ideas related to the absorbent mind, and enabled the extension of the…

Synthesizes the Montessori stages of life from birth to adulthood and provides an integrated description of Montessori educational principles. Examines the role of the teacher as learner, revolutionary, and scientist following the child through life. Identifies education as ongoing research on the laws of human development. (KB)