Understanding Montessori: A Guide for Parents

What is Montessori Education?

Montessori education more than anything is about understanding and aiding the natural process of child growth and learning. The principles, methods, and materials used in Montessori education for over a hundred years are scientifically supported, researched and time-tested, plus based on common sense.

Understanding Montessori: A Guide for Parents seeks to help parents see the power that Montessori education holds for their children at all ages.

Understanding Montessori draws on the author’s over thirty years of working with children to affirm what neuropsychologists are beginning to discover:

Authentic Montessori education is the most powerful way for our children to learn.

Research shows that children learn faster and more easily in a properly prepared Montessori classroom than in traditional schools. Montessori classrooms all over the world have proven that when implemented correctly Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy works for children at all socio-economic circumstances and levels of ability. Montessori education offers an unmatched complement of principles, methods and materials that work with the child’s developing mind in strong and compelling ways.

Testimonials

What a fabulous wealth of easy-to-read and understand information about the illusive Montessori approach to learning. This is a must read for all parents and guardians who have their children in Montessori schools or who are considering placing them in Montessori school.

Lorna McGrath Tomorrow's Child Magazine

An essential resource for every Montessori school…(a) basis for ongoing discussions within Montessori school communities, parent education programs and events.

Jim Fitzpatrick Founder and Head of School Santa Barbara Montessori School

What makes this book stand out from other Montessori books for parents is that it focuses on the principles and offers information so that you, the parent, can make informed choices and decisions about your child and Montessori education.

Montessori Insights The Magazine of the Montessori Australia Foundation

The book also helps put right some of the many (often perpetuated) misconceptions about what Montessori is and isn’t. Some Montessori principles are highlighted all testifying to the fact that the approach is much more than teaching. Topics such as the environment, the absence of grading, homework, etc. are addressed.

AMI Bulletin, Fall 2009

One unique aspect of this book is a thorough checklist of what to look for when first visiting a school. Often parents are overwhelmed when observing classrooms and meeting the principal and/or teachers. It’s hard to know what to be aware of and what questions to ask without any prior experience. Schmidt expertly guides prospective Montessori parents through this important stage.

Trevor Eissler Author of Montessori Madness: A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori Education http://www.montessorimadness.com