Montessori, Her Method and Her Movement: What You

Need to Know

R.C. Orem, Editor

Capricorn Books, 1974

This book, though dated, is still very useful.

It is a great overview of Dr. Montessori, her

theories and methods, and their applications in

education today, both in schools and at home.

Section one is comprised of a compendium of questions

and answers about the general ideas and methods employed

in Montessori educational settings. A few of the

questions address the myths and misconceptions of

Dr. Montessori and the schools that utilize her

methods.

Section two details the Montessori learning

environment. It covers the materials used as

learning aids, how the environment is arranged,

and how the teacher facilitates learning. It

delineates sensitive periods in a child's

development and tells how to utilize those

to help children acquire important motor

and language skills.

Section three address the relevance of the

Montessori method in contemporary America.

Home education, early training, the application

and manner of discipline, and the importance of

self-development are covered. The concept of

writing before reading and the use of phonics

in developing language and reading skills is

also discussed.

Section four details the training program of

Montessori educators and lists places where

training can be obtained.

The chapters of the book are comprised of

contributions from a variety of people such

as school teachers, home educators and educational

specialists and consultants.

In my opinion, this increases the readability of

the book. Each writer brings their unique

expertise and personality to the subject they

are addressing. The tone is informative but light.

The greatest plus about the book is that it gives

parents a clear view of what materials are used

and what daily routines are in place in Montessori

schools. These things are easily adapted to the

home environment. I would recommend that any

parents of a pre-schooler or homeschooling

parents read this book.

This article is an excerpt from my 2001 book, Make Your Kid A Genius! (Tools to Maximize Your Child’s Potential from the Womb Through College.) You can obtain a free copy in the "downloads" section of my website at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com