Maria Montessori’s approach to education was scientific, revolutionizing early childhood education. GB191206706A (1912), one of Dr.Maria Montessori’s earliest patents, manifests the original designs of Montessori materials. Montessori-inspired parents and educators still use these Montessori materials in their homes and classrooms today.
In this article, I will explore the key elements of this patent and how they continue to influence Montessori education.
Understanding Montessori’s 1912 Patent
In GB191206706A (1912) Dr.Maria Montessori introduced numerous educational tools. She designed these tools to enhance a child’s motor skills, spatial awareness, and writing abilities.
The key innovations include:
Metal Insets for Writing Practice –
One of her innovative educational tools was Metal Insects. She designed metallic plates with cut-out geometrical figures. These geometrical figures were used to teach children how to write effortlessly.
By placing paper beneath the plates, children could trace various shapes with pencil strokes. Thus, her innovative metal insects helped children develop fine motor control and pre-writing skills.
Sandpaper Letters – Sandpaper letters were roughened letters glued onto a smooth pasteboard. These letters allowed children to trace letters with their fingers. Furthermore, this activity reinforced their muscle memory for handwriting and phonetic recognition.
Knobbed Cylinders – Knobbed cylinders were wooden blocks with holes of varying diameters. There were corresponding removable cylinders to help children understand dimensions, volume, and spatial relationships.
With these innovations, she laid the foundations for a hands-on, sensory-based learning approach.
The Evolution of Montessori Materials
Over the past century Dr.Montessori’s original designs have evolved, but, to speak the truth, their main purpose remains unchanged.
Metal Insets Today: Modern educators and Montessori-inspired parents still use Metal Insects but they have expanded in variety. Today’s metal geometric figures are more complex. They help children refine their pincer grip and hand coordination.
Sandpaper Letters in Modern Classrooms:
We have cursive and print variations of sandpaper letters today. However, the core tactile learning method remains the central focus of Montessori literacy education.
Knobbed Cylinders and Variations: The design of knobbed cylinders remains largely the same. Today we have new adaptations that include additional variations for depth, size, and texture.
Why Montessori’s Original Designs Still Matter Today?
After a prolonged observation, Dr.Maria Montessori came up with these innovative educational tools. Her 1912 patent was groundbreaking in every respect because it was rooted in observation and child psychology.
The principles behind these materials remain relevant because of the following reasons:
These materials promote sensory-based learning. Therefore, it allows children to learn through touch, movement, and exploration.
While other education methods promote rote memorization, these sensory-based materials emphasize independent learning.
These materials undeniably develop fine motor skills, which are essential for writing, drawing, and other precision-based tasks.
Lessons for Montessori Educators and Parents
If modern educators and parents can understand Montessori’s original patents, it can help them make informed decisions about learning materials:
Choosing Authentic Montessori Materials:
Ensure materials stay true to Montessori’s vision, focusing on sensory engagement and self-correction.
DIY Montessori Materials: By understanding Montessori’s vision behind each educational material, parents can create Montessori-inspired designs, such as tracing letters with sandpaper or making homemade knobbed cylinders.
Recognizing the Value of Timeless Educational Methods:
Dr.Montessori’s educational techniques are time-tested. Furthermore, it proves that hands-on learning remains one of the most effective ways to teach young children.
Sumanta De is an educator. He has been teaching students for more than 16 years following the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. He has a 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter.
He is nurturing his children abiding by the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. His passion for Montessori methods goes beyond the classroom.
Hence, he shares his experiences and insights through a dedicated Montessori blog and a YouTube channel under the name “NewChild Montessori”. He aims to offer valuable guidance to both parents and educators.
Education: M.A. English, Masters in Child Psychology & Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori Teachers Training
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