This is the book that Maria Montesorri wrote in response to requests from thousands of American parents and teachers. A short, illustrated guide to the use of the Montessori classroom materials, it shows how to set up a “children’s house”—an environment for learning where children can be their own masters, free to learn at their own pace.
Frames for lacing and buttoning, geometrical wooden inserts, sound cylinders, sandpapers letters, colored numerical rods: these are familiar features of any Montesorri classroom, whether in the pioneering days or today. Dr. Montesorri explains how to use these materials with preschool children to stimulate their powers of observation, recognition, judgment, and classification.
These self-correcting learning tools are the original “teaching machines” for young children. Inherently logical and aesthetically pleasing, they were designed to hone the child’s visual, auditory, and tactile perceptions. Dr. Montesorri stresses that each child approaches the apparatus differently. The role of the adult, whether teacher or parent, is to let the child experiment, perceive his own mistakes, and run his own risks in learning.
(With black-and white illustrations throughout.)
Reviews (56)
I am a strong believer in Dr Montessori, however ...
I am a strong believer in Dr Montessori, however this item should be banished as it is available free for download at other websites. Also this item lacks all of the images, but fails to clearly state this.
Maria Montessori is cutting edge
I am a great admirer of Maria Montessori and her teaching methods, which are revolutionary even today. In this book she describes the philosophy of freedom given to the child within the carefully prepared environment of the Montessori classroom. She also describes some of the specific teaching materials used for sensory, math, and languagev education. The materials themselves are often ingenious, leading the child to a level of achievement not seen in traditional education (for example, the child may understand advanced number concepts and begin writing and reading words at age four). A significant part of Montessori education for very young children is teaching and then expecting independent self-care and care of the environment (for example, children assist in preparing snacks, serve the snacks, and then clean up). Part of the philosophy, as stated in this book, is to allow maximum child independence with minimum adult intervention, only that which is required to initiate a child's response (for example, demonstrating an action which the child is to imitate). I am looking forward to reading more of Montessori's work. She managed, through careful and systematic observation of the child, to come to conclusions which are now being confirmed through brain research (for example, she realized that early adulthood represented a still developing brain; this has been confirmed through the most recent research). So this brilliant woman is still cutting edge 100 years after enumerating her observations.
great insight into Montessori's mind, not a how to book
This book is great for explaining the very basics of the montessori manipulatives and their primary function. it's good for background and knowledge into Montessori's methods and thinking (for primary aged children). It is NOT, however, a how to or instruction guide for Montessori. you won't gleen much about how to use things (other than one or maybe two basic functions) from this book. for that you need montessori albums, which will cost you a considerable amount of money. i think this book is useful to people wanting to know more about Montessori and how she came up with the manips themselves or saw the children react to them but if you're trying to emulate the montessori method in your home and need more information, your money would be better spent elsewhere. for that i would recommend: Teaching Montessori in the Home by Elizabeth Hainstock.
No Illustrations
This book is a piece of junk because it literally has no illustrations in it. I'd be happy to know what the corresponding illustrations are when noted in the text (eg see image 2), but the images just arent there. So this book is basically worthless. I wish i had returned it when i had the chance. Total waste of money!
The truth!
Montessori is the way! If you follow it, you already know you need this book in your arsenal.
Easy read
Great intro book to the Montessori method. Easy to read. Lots of examples and the best part is that it was written by Maria Montessori.
Easy to read quick review by Maria Montessori of her ...
Easy to read quick review by Maria Montessori of her methods and the logic behind them. It gives enough detail to be a high level read but if you really want to implement the method, then its recommended to get the more detailed book "the Montessori Method" also by Maria Montessori.
Missing pages
It's a fine book I'm sure, but there are pages missing in the copy I bought >:(
A helpful guide to the basics of the montessori method
I want to understand the philosophy behind the method, and I found this little book to be very enlightening. Maria Montessori made the observation of children her life's work, and we are the beneficiaries of it. The tools she created for the instruction of little ones is timeless, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her literature that explains in detail the mind of the child.
Everyone should know Montessori’s work
This is a great overview of the method and philosophy. I especially like her conclusions that the environment determines the character of man.
I am a strong believer in Dr Montessori, however ...
I am a strong believer in Dr Montessori, however this item should be banished as it is available free for download at other websites. Also this item lacks all of the images, but fails to clearly state this.
Maria Montessori is cutting edge
I am a great admirer of Maria Montessori and her teaching methods, which are revolutionary even today. In this book she describes the philosophy of freedom given to the child within the carefully prepared environment of the Montessori classroom. She also describes some of the specific teaching materials used for sensory, math, and languagev education. The materials themselves are often ingenious, leading the child to a level of achievement not seen in traditional education (for example, the child may understand advanced number concepts and begin writing and reading words at age four). A significant part of Montessori education for very young children is teaching and then expecting independent self-care and care of the environment (for example, children assist in preparing snacks, serve the snacks, and then clean up). Part of the philosophy, as stated in this book, is to allow maximum child independence with minimum adult intervention, only that which is required to initiate a child's response (for example, demonstrating an action which the child is to imitate). I am looking forward to reading more of Montessori's work. She managed, through careful and systematic observation of the child, to come to conclusions which are now being confirmed through brain research (for example, she realized that early adulthood represented a still developing brain; this has been confirmed through the most recent research). So this brilliant woman is still cutting edge 100 years after enumerating her observations.
great insight into Montessori's mind, not a how to book
This book is great for explaining the very basics of the montessori manipulatives and their primary function. it's good for background and knowledge into Montessori's methods and thinking (for primary aged children). It is NOT, however, a how to or instruction guide for Montessori. you won't gleen much about how to use things (other than one or maybe two basic functions) from this book. for that you need montessori albums, which will cost you a considerable amount of money. i think this book is useful to people wanting to know more about Montessori and how she came up with the manips themselves or saw the children react to them but if you're trying to emulate the montessori method in your home and need more information, your money would be better spent elsewhere. for that i would recommend: Teaching Montessori in the Home by Elizabeth Hainstock.
No Illustrations
This book is a piece of junk because it literally has no illustrations in it. I'd be happy to know what the corresponding illustrations are when noted in the text (eg see image 2), but the images just arent there. So this book is basically worthless. I wish i had returned it when i had the chance. Total waste of money!
The truth!
Montessori is the way! If you follow it, you already know you need this book in your arsenal.
Easy read
Great intro book to the Montessori method. Easy to read. Lots of examples and the best part is that it was written by Maria Montessori.
Easy to read quick review by Maria Montessori of her ...
Easy to read quick review by Maria Montessori of her methods and the logic behind them. It gives enough detail to be a high level read but if you really want to implement the method, then its recommended to get the more detailed book "the Montessori Method" also by Maria Montessori.
Missing pages
It's a fine book I'm sure, but there are pages missing in the copy I bought >:(
A helpful guide to the basics of the montessori method
I want to understand the philosophy behind the method, and I found this little book to be very enlightening. Maria Montessori made the observation of children her life's work, and we are the beneficiaries of it. The tools she created for the instruction of little ones is timeless, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her literature that explains in detail the mind of the child.
Everyone should know Montessori’s work
This is a great overview of the method and philosophy. I especially like her conclusions that the environment determines the character of man.
Five Stars
This is a good read for Montessori teachers. It takes you back to the basics.
Insightful book
A short and incisive guide to pedagogy for small children. A must-read for anyone who has children or wants to work with children.
Five Stars
good
Must have for Montessori Teachers
It is nice to read her thoughts rather than the interpretation of her works
Very helpful
Home school handbook
No illustration!!
A total of 42 fig. missing in this book. There is no illustration at all!
It's gorgeous how it gives an other point of view and dignifies the fact to be a child.
Dr. Montessori shows how children are actually small human beings who need a guide, who bring their inner being out, more than a teacher to fill them with knowledge.
Wonderful book!
This is my favorite Maria Montessori book, I love her pictures of the kids using the materials. It is great to see what a Montessori classroom looked like in her day, it helps to realize that materials were not all perfect they were well used with chips off the paint, etc. But most of all I love reading her experiences with children, she is absolutely amazing! Plus this book is much easier to read than "Absorbent mind". Definitely recommend this book.
Five Stars
Thanks
Great sum up of Dr Montessori's work
This book was so intersting it made me want to read more of Dr Montessori's work. It really helps knowing what her system is all about. I love it!
Four Stars
Another thought-filled book for aspiring teachers.
Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook
I am so delighted and very much impressed that the book you sent me. thank you for a wonderful service :))
This book is the Vanguard of Montessori learning
I used to use this book as the guide to what a Montessori school needs. there are many stores that sell the materials at many price ranges. But for many who like DIY projects this gives one an idea how to fashion your own materials. My grandfather made many of the material by hand.
Masterful Insights; Good for all Educators!
I'm a professional educator, always in search of best-practices for learning that are aligned with brain biology and human development. I chose this book because Dr. Maria Montessori is the most influential educator to crack the code of matching learning with human development. With every passing year, the study of neuroscience continues to fully support Dr. Montessori's keen observations from 100+ years ago, about meeting needs of learners in an appropriate way. This specific book is written by Dr. Montessori herself. In her own words, she explains in detail the rationale for her method and the specific materials she developed for use with her method. It's relatively short, but is filled with powerful insights! Even though Dr. Montessori's discussion in this book is focused on explaining the rationale behind her materials, educators of all ages and in all types of classrooms will find her insights behind understanding the learner very unique, but precisely on target. As noted by other reviewers, this is a not a comprehensive book about the Montessori Method. But, it is filled with timeless insights from the most masterful educator in history.
Highlights basic teaching methods and apparatus.
This short book is like an Army basic training manual. Montessori teaching methods are described in detail, like recipes in a cookbook. An interesting section on food for children recommends large amounts of fat and sugar foods and therefore seems outdated. The systematic order achieved by the method is described as desirable while too much variety and child/teacher interaction is regarded as undesirable. The book warns that over-stimulating a child's imagination could cause him or her to miss the purpose of the lessons (tell that to Barney). The author's works have a ring of truth throughout and are valuable because of the spirit they convey even today.
montessori note book
The book came from the supplier -- great shape, very quickly and wrapped so well it could have made the trip to China!
Excellent for parents as well as staff
I heard about Montessori from a friend who’s child has just started at a Montessori nursery. I was interested in the method as the idea of children being given one task to complete each rather than doing a series of free play or group activities was new to me. My son isn’t in nursery (he was previously in a non-Montessori nursery). I found it very interesting and gave me lots of ideas for things to do with my nearly 3 year old (both exercises, general things like involving him in cooking and cleaning and ideas for how to make the house a better environment for children). I also loved the mindset - that we should treat children with kindness and respect. Also that they learn from you. I already thought that, but it’s great to have it spelled out here coupled with activities based on the mindset. I’m dubious about whether my energetic little boy would ever turn into the quiet, graceful creature described here! However, I’m keen to find out. I’m sure that putting into practice some of the ideas in this journal will be positive for my kids.
Good read
Very interesting read, I could link to lecture received in university in regards to alternative approaches in early years learning.
Clear, Concise and very informative!
This book is a goldmine. Dr. Montessori’s Own Handbook contains Maria Montessori’s notes based on children aged between 3-6. It is very easy and simple to use. As an educator it is very good to use as a reference. Books is clear and very informative.
Very good book
Loved being able to read the words of Maria Montessori herself. Very interesting.
DR MM
A great read for those educationalists who want to see into the mind of one of the leading lights of alternative child led education.
Five Stars
Great book
Five Stars
Very interesting book
Great introduction
A really good introduction to the work of Maria Montessori written in her own words. Ideal for those who want to know what her work was about.
I've used against my daughter's kindergarten
I don't work with education. But I had think strange some procedures at my 3-year-old daughter's kindergarten. Thus I read this book and I found that the institution which self classifies as montessorian, had procedures and materials that weren't in agreement to Montessori's method. The director was impelled to do the adjustments.
Une bien étrange édition que celle-ci
En tant qu'éducatrice Montessori 3-6 (non AMI pour les initiés), je possédais déjà le pdf de cet ouvrage mais lire sur un écran n'est pas ma tasse de thé. Donc je voulais l'avoir en format papier. Cette édition semble être la copie de l'édition américaine de 1914 par F A Stockes Publishers, toutes les illustrations -43- sont bien là mais de qualité inférieure, dommage car c'est important pour l'apprenti montessorien. La mise en page est totalement fantaisiste, pas de justification des paragraphes, un étudiant de n'importe quel master aurait fait mieux que cela pour son propre mémoire. La police de caractère est énorme. Des mystérieuses barres grises délimitent parfois certains paragraphes, on ne sait pas trop pourquoi. Pas de copyright (???). Mais juste un détail bien intéressant à la toute fin : Printed in Poland by Amazon Fulfillment. J'en déduis que Amazon se lance dans l'édition sur des rotatives de Pologne. C'est très bien. Mais il faut vraiment revoir le travail de typo en amont.
For those serious about Montessori methods
The book is not thick, but it has quite a number of exercises Montessori used in her class (with pictures and clear instructions). I find the book educational. Also Montessori stressed that it's important that the teacher just plays the role of a guide at first for each game/task to let the children know how he/she is supposed to do, and not exactly how he/she will do it. By letting the children learn through "trial and error", they learn through their mistakes, and then develop the skill to observe and correct the errors by themselves. A valuable addition to the Montessori knowledge bank!
Montessori
Excellent for implementing the Montessori way of life. Short and to the point, teaches you how to start with what materials
timely arrival
I love the philosophy and information about materials is easily comprehended.
Revolucionário
Para educadores ou quem quer educar em casa com materiais montessorianos.
Great book
More advanced than today's state of art research. Executive functions, whole development... Follow the child is the central idea. Don't help than doing what they can do alone
The Kindle version is fine
I bought the Kindle version, it's less than $1 and it's fine. This is a good book, don't give it one star just because they shipped the wrong book, return it and get the right one or the Kindle version, more people should read this.
Five Stars
Very good price!
Great
Liked
Five Stars
love this
Five Stars
Great book