Five Montessori Books to Read this Spring

As winter comes to a close, it’s time to refresh your book list for spring. Here are five Montessori books that delve into the background of Montessori schools, as well as the latest science on Montessori teaching.

1. The Discovery of the Child by Maria Montessori

Originally published over 100 years ago after Maria Montessori opened the first Montessori school, The Discovery of the Child explores her efforts to understand the nature of children and the educational methodology that developed from her studies. Montessori describes an educational system that is focused on assisting children to develop naturally, navigating the world around them.

2. Understanding the Human Being: The Importance of the First Three Years of Life by Silvana Quattrocchi Montanaro MD

This book examines the first years of life through a Montessori perspective. Leveraging her perspective as both a medical doctor and Montessorian, Dr. Montanaro discusses the extraordinary development of the first three years of life. The book discusses topics such as symbiosis, brain development, and language developments beginning with prenatal life through birth and continuing to the third year of life.

3. Montessori Today: A Comprehensive Approach to Education from Birth to Adulthood by Paula Polk Lillard  

In this book, Paula Lillard, a director of a Montessori school with students from 18 months to fifteen years, presents how Montessori education can fit within contemporary education. This approachable book is great for parents interested in understanding how a Montessori education can benefit their child through adulthood. Lillard describes how children can continue to find solutions to their own questions throughout their education by using the Montessori method.

4. How To Raise An Amazing Child the Montessori Way, 2nd Edition by Tim Seldin

This is a great book for parents looking to bring Montessori learning methods into their home for their young children. Tim Seldin, president of the Montessori Foundation, puts together his years of experience into a guide for parents to raise their children using Montessori learning techniques. This international best-seller is full of activities and educational games for preschoolers that can help develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and self-reliance.

5. Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius Updated Edition by Angeline Stoll Lillard  

Angeline Lillard presents current evidence-based studies that investigate the impact of Montessori teaching methods.  Learn how current research is showing us how to help children learn at their best, and how traditional teaching methods can fall short of creating these environments. Lillard walks through research covering eight foundational insights of Montessori education and how each can be applied to the classroom.  This book is ideal for parents looking to learn more about the theory behind Montessori education and how it contrasts with traditional teaching methods.

The teachers and staff at the Montessori School of Fremont see each child as their own unique person and are ready to support students of varying abilities.  The Montessori method encourages inclusion and self-guided learning, which works well for children with special needs.  To learn how our school embraces every student, contact us today to schedule a tour.