Childhood adversity and trauma are prevalent and found in all socio-economic groups. Over 100 years ago, Montessori schools were known as “Case della Salute” (Health Homes) wherein trauma-affected children were ‘healed’ on a considerable scale. This talk will show how Montessori used her materials as ‘tools ‘of healing, her teachers as ‘sources’ of healing and her environments as ‘places’ of healing. Contemporary Montessori schools, especially for 3–6-year-olds, can do exactly the same, because neuroscience now reveals the mechanisms behind Dr Montessori’s success. This means, Montessori schools are more relevant than ever, because of their capacity to support trauma-affected children.
