For more than a century, Montessori education has played a part in teaching students to think critically, enjoy learning, and to have the courage and curiosity to take on new ideas in creative ways. Several of the most successful men in internet technology attended Montessori schools, along with performers of both genders, and even a Nobel Prize recipient.
The World’s Most Famous Diarist
When her family moved
from Germany to the Netherlands in 1938, Anne
Frank was enrolled in a Montessori school, where she was
encouraged to learn and practice her love for writing. According to a fellow
Montessori classmate, Anne enjoyed writing and was possibly headed toward a
career in the field of journalism. Unfortunately, World War II erupted, and
Jewish families like Anne’s were forced to flee or go underground. Today, that
little girl’s diary has become one of the most harrowing descriptions of the
terror and mistreatment suffered by people during the short reign of the Third
Reich.
Montessori’s Effect on Technology
Quite a few of the
people involved in the technology behind today’s internet attended Montessori
schools in their youth and attribute at least some of their success to the
Montessori method. Here are four famously successful people who have played a
hand in modern technology:
·
Jeff
Bezos
- The founder of Amazon, a major player in online shopping, began his education
in a Montessori preschool setting. Today, Jeff is among the most successful men
in the world.
·
Will
Wright
- Will Wright learned the importance of combining play with education from the
Montessori method. He would go on to design the popular SimCity games, as well
as The Sims, and Spore.
·
Larry Page and Sergey Brin - The founders of
Google both attended Montessori schools in their childhood. Today, their
creative brainchild, Google, is consider the #1 best company to work for in
Canada, and ranks #2 for the same title in the United States. Google’s unique
algorithms have transformed how we search for information, use maps, and among
other impacts on internet technology.
Creativity and the Montessori Method
Montessori’s focus on
creativity and personal application has also led to successful roles in music
and acting. Two examples of creativity inspired by the Montessori method are Sean
“Puff Daddy” Combs (also known as P. Diddy), and actress Dakota
Fanning,
who credits Montessori education with learning to read at the early age of 2. Julia
Child,
a world famous cook, once said that Montessori taught her that it was okay to
make mistakes so long as you never stop trying.
Montessori and People With Global Influence
Credited with
influencing the direction of modern literature, Nobel Prize winner Gabriel
Garcia Marquez’s autobiography discusses Montessori education and how
“its teachers stimulated the five senses by means of practical exercises, and
taught singing.” Montessori is also admired by royalty, such as Princess
Diana’s children Princes William and Harry, as well as Prince William and Kate
Middleton’s children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.Montessori education has a profound and lasting effect on those who attend its school, specifically starting at a young age. Maria Montessori believed in education children with skills and lessons used throughout their lifetime, methods still used by the Montessori School of Pleasanton today. To learn more about Montessori education and our programs, contact us today.
