In 1906, Maria Montessori created Montessori education in the slums of Rome, Italy. Dr. Montessori was a medical doctor who, after years of observing children, discovered that they passed through various stages of development. She discovered that while in each stage, children were able to learn effortlessly whatever it was that interested them. She recognized that children need freedom to explore without interruption. With this in mind she trained people to observe and guide, rather than teach the children. Dr. Montessori also created various materials for the children to use, which would satisfy their needs and curiosities while in each stage of development.