"We know we need to improve our traditional school system, both public and private. But how? More homework? Better-qualified teachers? Longer school days or school years? More testing? More funding? No, no, no, no, and no. Montessori Madness! explains why the incremental steps politicians and administrators continue to propose are incremental steps politicians and administrators continue to propose are incremental steps in the wrong direction. The entire system must be turned on its head. This book ask parents to take a look--one thirty-minute observation--at a Montessori school. Your picture of what educations should look like will never be the same"--Back cover.

4,962,571 is the story of a boy suddenly captivated by the idea of counting to a very large number. He sets a goal for himself, and through self-discipline, creativity, insight, and hard work, he...well you will have to see whether he reaches it or not.

In Understanding Montessori: A Guide for Parents Maren Schmidt explains the how's and why's of Montessori education while asserting that authentic Montessori education is the most effective way for children to learn. What is Montessori Education? Montessori education, more than anything, is about understanding and aiding the child's natural process of growth and learning. The principles, methods, and materials that Dr. Montessori pioneered over one-hundred years ago are not only scientifically supported and researched, they are based on common sense. Understanding Montessori: A Guide for Parents will help parents understand the stages of childhood growth and learning and how Montessori education uniquely meets each child's learning needs. Understanding Montessori draws on the author's twenty-five years of working with children to explain in simple language what neuropsychologists are now finding that--children learn faster and more easily in a properly prepared Montessori classroom than in traditional settings. Montessori classrooms all over the world have proven that, when implemented faithfully, Dr. Maria Montessori's philosophy works for children at all levels of ability and socio-economic circumstance. Montessori education offers an unmatched complement of principles, methods and materials that develop a child's mind like no other educational method. Understanding Montessori busts twelve major myths that prevent clear understanding of what Montessori education is and is not. The underlying principles of Montessori education are explained alongside children's developmental needs and how these two ideas create the foundations of Montessori methods, techniques and learning communities. Two chapters of the book provide in depth questionnaires for finding and assessing a quality Montessori school, along with details for accessing downloadable copies of these questionnaires. Every group has their own set of key words and Montessori educators are no exception. Chapter 10 explains basic childhood development and Montessori terms with clear and easy to understand definitions. Three key ways to assure your child's success are offered in Chapter 8, followed in the next chapter with ten ways that we as parents benefit from considering a child's point of view. Understanding Montessori promises to explain the basics of Montessori education so that you can make informed decisions about this powerful learning method when a parent's time is in short supply. Montessori education may be the most important choice you make for your child. Learn more by reading Understanding Montessori: A Guide for Parents.

Jack's story is a child-friendly introduction to the Montessori learning methods, the structure of a Montessori classroom, and the excitement a Montessori student feels to be in engaged in his own learning.

Turn your home into a Montessori home—and become a more mindful, attentive, and easygoing parent. It’s time to change the way we see toddlers. Using the principles developed by the educator Dr. Maria Montessori, Simone Davies shows how to turn life with a “terrible two” into a mutually rich and rewarding time of curiosity, learning, respect, and discovery. With hundreds of practical ideas for every aspect of living with a toddler, here are five principles for feeding your child’s natural curiosity, from “Trust in the child” to “Fostering a sense of wonder.” Step-by-step ways to cultivate daily routines with ease, like brushing teeth, toilet-training, dealing with siblings, losing the pacifier. Plus learn how to: Stay composed when your toddler is not and set limits with love and respect—without resorting to bribes or punishment Set up your home and get rid of the chaos Create Montessori activities that are just right for your one-to-three-year-old Raise an inquisitive learner who loves exploring the world around them See the world through your toddler’s eyes and be surprised and delighted by their perspective Be your child’s guide—and truly celebrate every stage

Incorporating Montessori Principles into Your Early Years Environments will allow readers to understand the developing child in their early years setting and how to adapt a Montessori approach to meet their pupils’ needs. This book shares an insight into Maria Montessori’s extensive research, observations, and findings about child development and education, enabling them to transfer these to their own setting. Based on the scientific observation of the child and the stages of development they go through, Montessori pedagogy can be successfully applied in any setting and is well-known for its child-centred, holistic, and individualised approach to education. By addressing its key principles such as respect for the child, prepared environment, and the role of the adult, chapters highlight the overarching vision Montessori’s approach had and explore how and why it can still be so meaningful in today’s early years classrooms. This book will allow the reader to reflect on the framework they work with and offer examples of adapted practice as well as highlighting the importance of knowing the children, observing their work, and planning suitable resources and activities that will nurture their development. This is an essential reading for trainee Montessori teachers, trainee educators, early childhood professionals, and childminders, empowering them to enhance learning and development for their pupils, whilst instilling love and respect throughout their interactions with them.