The problem of education, certainly, is not identical with that of illiteracy – indeed, it is very different. It concerns the spiritual formation and the intellectual uplift of mankind..... This education, however, must circulate by means of literacy as trains circulate by means of a network of railways.
Maria Montessori
First published in 1955, The Formation of Man, Part Three discusses illiteracy as an obstacle to peace education. Referring to young children's inherent gifts for learning, Montessori writes that four-year-olds are primed for writing and reading.
In the Prepared Environment, children are immersed in the mental and spiritual connections between oral and written language. From the moment they enter Children's House's, we observe children hop, skip and jump along the path to literacy, embracing it as yet another aid on the journey to an independent life. However, 2024 data shows that this phenomenon is not yet universally understood and society suffers from the imbalance:
Half of all adults in the UK don’t read regularly, and 1 in 6 – that’s 8.5 million – struggles to read at all. The Reading Agency
Join us for this one-day workshop to revisit the ways in which support for children's literacy development is woven throughout the Children's House.
Led by AMI 3-6 Trainer Lizzie Kingston, this professional development event is suitable for Montessori Guides, Assistant Guides and anyone working with children in a Montessori environment.
Venue: Cambridge Montessori School, 73(A) Tenison Rd, Cambridge CB1 2DG. A short walk from Cambridge train station.
Date: Saturday, 6th December 2025
Time: 10am to 4pm
Spaces are limited, early registration advised. Tea, coffee and water will be provided. Please feel free to bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, there is a busy high street a short walk away for food and drinks.
A Certificate of Attendance will be emailed to participants.
For AMI UK membership please visit: montessorisociety.org.uk/join-us
