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Montessori: Why this educational method is so trendy

Montessori playgroup at the EKIZ Linz; little Emma is fascinated: she can already throw balls, her mother (right) is amazed.(Bild: Horst Einöder/Flashpictures)

What do Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales and actress Heike Makatsch have in common? They were all helped into life with Montessori education. What's behind it all? A local inspection at the Linz Parent-Child Center shows what you absolutely need in the nursery - and what you don't.

As soon as little Emma comes into the room with her mom, she sees the balls. Shortly afterwards, she starts playing with them. Meanwhile, mom has made herself comfortable on a cushion and watches Emma, interested and reserved at the same time. She doesn't make any suggestions, doesn't interfere, just remains attentive.