Recommended Reading

THE ESSENTIAL MONTESSORI BY ELIZABETH HAINSTOCK
If you only read one Montessori book, we highly recommend this one! It is extremely easy to read and very thorough. It will introduce parents to Dr. Maria Montessori, her method and philosophy of education. This book also confronts many common criticisms and myths, while explaining the timelessness of Montessori education. Recommended for all new parents. A very resourceful book.

MONTESSORI - A MODERN APPROACH BY PAULA POLK LILLARD
Montessori: A Modern Approach has been called the single best book for anyone - educator, childcare professional, and especially parent - seeking answers to the questions: What is Montessori method? Are its revolutionary ideas about early childhood education relevant to today's world? And most important, especially for today's dual-career couples, is a Montessori education right for my child?

THE ABSORBENT MIND BY MARIA MONTESSORI
A book for true Montessorians! It is comprised of writings and lectures of Dr. Maria Montessori. Although an interesting look into her ideas, it is a challenging read providing a scientific background to the Method. This book is a curriculum book for Montessori teachers in training. Not recommended for new parents.

DISCOVERY OF THE CHILD BY MARIA MONTESSORI
Written by Dr. Montessori during the early development of the Montessori method, it is based on her observations and explores the first philosophies behind many aspects of the program (materials, lessons, teachers). It also goes beyond the materials in the room and explores music, art, speech, discipline and movement. Recommended for parents who wish to complement and expand their first readings of Montessori. Ideal for second and third year parents.

DR. MONTESSORI'S OWN HANDBOOK BY MARIA MONTESSORI
Dr. Montessori wrote this book in response to the thousands of requests she received from parents. Clearly written, this book provides a great overview of the Montessori Method and the Montessori materials. The book is filled with wonderful photographs of children working in the Montessori prepared environment. Recommended for everyone, particularly those new to Montessori.

THE SECRET OF CHILDHOOD BY DR. MARIA MONTESSORI
Written by Dr. Maria Montessori, the Secret of Childhood is divided into 3 parts. Part One addresses the physiological and developmental stages of the child. In Part Two Dr. Montessori shares the observations and discoveries which lead to the development of the Method. The focus in Part Three is on work, an integral part of the Montessori classroom. This book is recommended for those with a strong foundation in Montessori theory. Ideal for second and third year parents.

MONTESSORI TODAY BY PAULA POLK LILLARD
This is a wonderful book for those interested in Montessori Elementary Education. The author provides a clear, easy to read outline of the Montessori program for children in their second stage of development (ages 6 to 12 years). Recommended for third year CASA parents and elementary parents.

PRACTICAL PARENTING BY STANLEY SHAPIRO, KAREN SKINULIS, RICHARD SKINULIS
As stated on the back pages, this book provides a complete program for establishing a loving, democratic family atmosphere. The common sense approach to parenting allows us to gain confidence and acquire skills as we undertake this most important job of our lives - parenting. Recommended for everyone.