LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim February 23-27, 2009, as Montessori Education Week in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of commitment and high achievement whose
purpose and endeavors prove a dedication to the pursuit of excellence in
the education of the youth of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim February 23-27, 2009, as
Montessori Education Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with
International Montessori Education Week; and
WHEREAS, The first woman doctor in Italy, Maria Montessori became very
involved in the care and education of young children and created Casa
dei Bambini, the Children's House; and
WHEREAS, In 1915, Dr. Maria Montessori was invited to speak at Carne-
gie Hall by Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison and others; she was
then invited to set up a classroom at the Panama-Pacific Exposition in
San Francisco, where spectators watched 21 children who were new to the
Montessori method for four months; the only two gold medals awarded for
education went to this class and the education of children was changed
forever; and
WHEREAS, Basic to the Montessori philosophy is the concept that chil-
dren are motivated from within by a natural curiosity and love for know-
ledge; the goal of early childhood education is to cultivate the child's
own natural desire to learn and to develop the potential that lies with-
in each child; and
WHEREAS, The Montessori school is a planned environment where every-
thing is proportioned to the child's size, readily accessible, movable
to permit flexible arrangement, and attractive; the children may work
alone or with others and have the freedom to choose and work with the
materials or activities they can successfully complete; and
WHEREAS, The Practical Life Exercises are beginning activities which
help the child develop coordination, a sense of order, concentration,
and good working habits; Sensorial Teaching Materials are self-correct-
ing and are designed to sharpen the senses and to help the child to
refine the many impressions he or she receives; Academic Materials in
reading, language, science, arithmetic, geography, and the creative arts
complete the program; and social activities include the snack time,
physical exercise, and game periods; and
WHEREAS, Believing that children are the hope for peace for the world,
Montessori teachers provide opportunities for children to create peace
within themselves and the world around them; a strong emphasis on coop-
eration, respect, and empathy for others underlies the students' experi-
ence; and
WHEREAS, With more than 1,000 students, ages 3-14, currently enrolled
in Montessori schools in the greater Capital Region, the Montessori
Alliance of Upstate New York and its members bring awareness to this
significant and successful teaching method which lays an excellent foun-
dation for leadership in the 21st Century and merits the recognition and
appreciation of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim February 23-27, 2009,
as Montessori Education Week in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, and the Montessori Alliance of Upstate New York.