Maria Montessori’s 142nd birthday is being celebrated by Google Art today with the letters in the Google logo replaced to resemble educational materials used in Montessori classrooms around the globe. The last letter symbol in the Google Art is the Trinomial Cube which is used throughout many years across Montessori education.  For young children is used as a puzzle, and for older students, it is actually an algebraic equation. The Montessori educational method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago.  Today it is gaining popularity and momentum due to a necessary shift away from the factory model of education where rote learning and standardized test scores have been the driving force.  Montessori emphasizes and develops the potential of the child by using special teaching materials, a focus on independence and intrinsic motivation.  This scientifically proven model of education generates students who are attentive, critical thinkers, exhibit executive function, and are engaged in learning.

Montessori’s model of education is more relevant today than ever.  It creates students who are global, forward thinking and successful leaders.  It comes as no surprise that Google Founders Larry Paige and Sergey Brin attended Montessori schools as children!

The Montessori Academy of London in Ontario recently changed its logo to the trinomial cube, the last letter in the Google Doodle, to celebrate 45 years of delivering outstanding Montessori education in the London Ontario.

Happy Birthday, Maria Montessori!