Dr Maria Montessori was born in 1870.  She was the first woman doctor in Italy.  She studied Education, Philosophy, Psychology and Anthropology.  At 28 she worked with children with special needs and designed materials and techniques, which allowed the children to work in areas, considered beyond their capacity.  Montessori’s pupils passed the state exams along with other children.  Montessori concluded that if children with special needs could be brought to the same academic level as other children, something must be wrong with the education of the latter.  At the age of 37 she took responsibility for a group of poor children in the slums of Rome and founded her first school which was to become world famous.  She observed the children scientifically with no pre-conceived educational ideas.  Her unique approach to these children led to surprising results.  She observed that when previously unruly children were provided with experiences, which corresponded closely to their stage of development, they easily became absorbed in purposeful activities.  Challenging material engendered greater interest than toys.  The children generally wished to do things for themselves and were less interested in rewards given for working than in the activity itself.  She discovered their remarkable and almost effortless ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings - children teach themselves.  This simple and profound truth inspired her.  Dr Montessori lectured throughout the world and wrote many books.  Training courses and schools sprang up.  She designed an extensive range of special teaching materials.