Who was Maria Montessori?

circa 1920: Professor Maria Montessori (1870-1952) in academic gown. She was the first woman to obtain a medical degree in Italy - from the University of Rome and developed the system of education for young children based on spontaneity of expression and freedom from restraint.

Educational tools adorn the Google home page on Friday commemorating her 142nd birth anniversary.

The following photographs from 1916 to 1978 give a glimpse into the world of Montessori schools pioneered by Maria Montessori.

June 1916: Three children in sunhats soak up the rays in the garden of the Montessori Children's Villa.

September 1919: Children develop their problem solving skills by playing games that are both educational and fun, at a Montessori school.

September 1919: Children develop their problem solving skills by playing games that are both educational and fun, at a Montessori school.

September 1919: Children develop their problem solving skills by playing games that are both educational and fun, at a Montessori school.

June 1916: Boys and girls playing indoors at the Montessori Children's Villa on a rainy day, watched by a nurse.

June 1916: Six little girls in sunhats in the garden of the Montessori Children's Villa.

October 4 1978: Pupils of St Mark's School, which follows the Montessori method of teaching, look through a wire fence.