Maria Montessori developed a philosophy of education based on her observations of children's natural development. She believed that children learn best through exploration and hands-on activities in a prepared environment. The Montessori method focuses on allowing children freedom within structured environments and materials to develop at their own pace. Key aspects include multi-age classrooms, child-chosen activities to develop practical life, sensorial, math, language and other skills, and teachers as observers and facilitators of learning. Montessori's theories were influenced by theorists like Froebel, Dewey, Piaget and Erickson and emphasize the importance of the early childhood years in developing lifelong competent learners.