Google devoted its homepage doodle on Friday to renowned Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori, who is one of the educators who defined the philosophy of child education in the 20th century.   

August 31, 2012 marks the 142nd birth anniversary of Montessori, and, in this connection, Google’s traditional letters are replaced by the utensils that are used throughout the world when applying her pedagogical teaching method.   

Maria Montessori was the first woman in Italy to receive a medical education and a doctoral degree in science.

She is best known for the philosophy of education that bears her name, and her educational method is in use today in public and private schools throughout the world.

To note, Maria Montessori is one of the only four educators who are recognized by UNESCO as persons who have defined the pedagogical thinking in the 20th century.