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Maria Montessori and Algebra: the Binomial Theorem
Camillo Grazzini

Lecture XI, Karachi, 1946
Maria Montessori

Impressions of 'Freedom and Responsibility - A Glorious Counterpoint', AMI-USA National Conference 20-23 July, 2000
Sue Pritzker

Educateurs sans Frontières

Question & Answer
The Zero

Montessori in Romania, 2000-2001
Rita Schaefer Zener

'Education as an Aid to Life'
24th International Montessori Congress
July 2-4, 2000, Paris, France

Meeting of the Directors of Training and Trainers
Ambleside, England: August 19-25

Reflections on the Training of Trainers' Programme
Ann Dunne

International Year for the Culture of Peace
Manifesto 2000

Announcements

Membership Fees

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Highlights from 'Communications 2000/4'

Maria Montessori and Algebra: the Binomial Theorem
Camillo Grazzini

In 'Maria Montessori and Algebra - The Binomial Theorem' Camillo Grazzini first offers the reader some information on Montessori's mathematical background before expanding the topic. His thorough and lucid article is supported by detailed drawings illustrating the specialist theory, making it accessible and enjoyable to a more general readership. The topic is introduced by the following quotation of Maria Montessori:

"A boy of eight years who had entered my room in search of his younger brother of three, appeared to grasp with ease and enthusiasm the working of the binomial cube which I was, at that moment, endeavouring to explain, in vain, to the student-teachers of the Montessori Training College in Rome. (...) He came eagerly to the table and took some of the pieces. 'Leave them', I told him, 'you cannot understand these things; they are too difficult even for these ladies.' 'Oh, but I do understand', he answered."

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Lecture on Language by Dr. Montessori, Karachi, 1946

In her lecture on language delivered in Karachi in 1946 Dr. Montessori elaborates on the Sensitivities of Language and stresses that 'language lies at the root of that transformation of the environment that we call civilisation'.

Dr. Montessori touches upon many elements, including nature versus nurture, involved in the development of language. One of the major points argued is that 'the child builds upon his faculties according to a plan pre-established by nature'.

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Question and Answer:

Zero means nothing; it is the number corresponding to the metaphysical nothing or naught. How do we then envisage nothing? Children sometimes see zero as an 'amusing curiosity', for what is its use in addition, subtraction, division or multiplication? 'Zero represents the starting point from not being to existing, from 0 to 1. ' In this Q&A section some of the aspects of zero are explained and highlighted.

AMI invites questions for this section of Communications. Just send an e-mail to info@montessori-ami.org

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Montessori in Romania

From 1997 to 1999 Rita Schaefer Zener ran an AMI training course in Romania at the primary level. She recaps on some of the initial experiences and outlines the current developments, focusing on cooperation with the authorities and how some of the students she trained have fared at the schools where they are employed. Rita Zener plans to return to Romania in 2001 to offer support and liaise with 'her' ex-students.

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Meeting of the Directors of Training and Trainers at St. Martin's College, Ambleside, England : August 19 - 25, 2000

The Aim and Role of AMI

From August 19 - 25, 2000 the AMI Directors of Training and Trainers gathered for what has become a four-yearly tradition: a meeting providing a platform for discussion of pertinent issues, lectures, talks and deepening of Montessori pedagogy. Some reflections, suggestions and thoughts from a cross-section of the trainers capture the mood of the moment. 'The five days were divided into a mixture of pedagogical presentations and theoretical discussions regarding both the form and the functions of AMI and its training centres.' 'In between sessions, we walked, picked blackberries, toured, feasted...it was a perfect environment in which to open our hearts to the future of AMI.' 'The experienced trainers were very kind to share their knowledge and gave suitable guidance.'

'The Beehive', one of the lecture halls of St. Martin's College

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