The Secret of Childhood

Author: Montessori
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: As Montessori said, "Only in an environment adapted to the age of the child can his psychological life develop naturally and reveal the secrets of his inner self." She believed that some children cannot develop and grow normally mainly because they are suppressed by adults, as society has assigned adults a completely opposite mission—to decide the education and development of children. In this book, Dr. Montessori vividly describes the physiological and psychological characteristics of children, reveals the neglect and suppression of adults on children's psychological development, and proposes the concept of a "sensitive period" in child development, portraying the developmental features of children in terms of intelligence, sense of order, walking, rhythm, observation, and more. It is a vivid work that reveals the secrets of child development and growth. The Secret of Childhood is Montessori's exploration and answer to the mysteries of early childhood, recording her research and educational work in preschool children and elaborating on the principles and methods of early childhood education. In the "Introduction," Montessori points out, "Children are not just strangers that can only be observed from the outside. More accurately, childhood constitutes the most important part of life because a person is formed in his early years." "Our tireless and sincere efforts for the benefit of children will enable us to discover the secrets of humanity, just as scientific research enables us to gain insight into many natural secrets." The Secret of Childhood is a vivid work that reveals the secrets of child development and growth. In the book, Montessori vividly describes the physiological and psychological characteristics of children, uncovering the revolutionary concept of the mysteries of child growth. It makes the world understand that children have rich potential, but only in an environment adapted to their age can their psychological life develop naturally and reveal the secrets of their inner self. Moreover, some children cannot develop and grow normally mainly because they are neglected and suppressed by adults. Therefore, what I feel most deeply is that the principles and methods of early childhood education should be based on understanding and respecting children, providing the necessary help for children to realize their potential according to the laws of their physical and mental development. However, Montessori's educational methods also have certain limitations, such as overly emphasizing the role of work in children's physical and mental development while neglecting the role of play, viewing play merely as a pleasant pastime during leisure time; overly emphasizing the value of teaching materials while devaluing the value of toys; and having a certain mysticism and religious color, etc. Therefore, in the process of learning and borrowing Montessori's educational theory and methods, we should adhere to the principle of "everything for the child," making use of, transforming, and innovating them in combination with specific circumstances.