Maryte: A Montessori Pioneer
I first met Maryte during my 0-3 Montessori training at Seton Montessori Institute, when she kindly opened her home to me. She quickly became my mentor—someone whose wisdom and honest feedback I deeply value.
Maryte trained with Lithuanian Montessori pioneers Marija Varniene and Domicele Petrutyte, who studied directly under Maria Montessori and had close ties to both Maria Montessori and her son, Mario, with whom she later collaborated. She helped revitalize Montessori education in the U.S., training other educators and carrying forward their legacy. Her insights always provide a quiet window into the very heart of Montessori.
Lessons in Trust: Empowering Children
One memory from my first visit with Maryte stands out vividly. Her grandson, a lively four-year-old with a charming British accent, was visiting from England. While playing in her garden, he decided to climb a tree. A few minutes later, he called out for help—stuck and unsure how to get down.
I wanted to rush over and help, but Maryte, standing calmly nearby, said gently, “You climbed up by yourself; you can find a way down by yourself.”
I held back, not without difficulty, trusting her wisdom. Sure enough, he figured it out. When his feet finally touched the ground, he beamed with pride, a moment of pure triumph.
This experience deeply reminded me of the Montessori belief in trusting a child’s abilities—their inner strength to navigate challenges and find their own solutions. Stepping back isn’t always easy; our urge to jump in can feel overwhelming. But holding back can be the greatest gift we give a child: the chance to discover what they’re truly capable of.
The Power of Observation and Openness
Another memory, seemingly mundane, left an equally lasting impression. While helping Maryte wash dishes one evening, I asked how she preferred to store her food containers. Instead of answering directly, she smiled and said, “Show me how you do it—maybe you have a better way.”
Her openness struck me. Here was someone with decades of wisdom, yet she remained eager to learn. That small moment reflected a core Montessori principle: observation. Rather than rushing to provide answers, she stepped back, watched, and learned—an approach I try to carry into my own parenting and teaching.
Maryte’s Advice to Parents
When I asked Maryte what single Montessori principle every parent should embrace at home, her answer was simple, but profound:
“To love a child is not enough—you have to respect them. That took some thinking.”
She then recommended Dorothy Law Nolte’s timeless poem Children Learn What They Live, which beautifully captures the idea that respect shapes how we nurture a child’s development.
To me, Maryte embodies Montessori in action. Above all, Montessori is a philosophy of life, a way of seeing and engaging with the world. Her curiosity, humility, and unwavering respect for others are a reminder that Montessori is about more than classrooms or materials; it’s a way of approaching life—with patience, wonder, and a deep belief in our shared capacity to learn and grow.
Photo credit: Yianni Mathioudakis on Unsplash
