Customer Reviews

Basic Montessori: Learning Activities For Under-Fives

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This book has been the clearest and most concise version of the Montessori method I have found yet. The introduction is excellent and seems to cover all the history of Maria Montessori and her philosophy without confusing issues or making it over complex. It gave me a real feeling of being able to implement her ideas in my home without having to hugely change the way my daughters lived. I found the descriptions of the materials and how to present them excellent; simple, as the presentations should be, ordered, so I knew what I should tackle next and with lots of varieties, so I could make good use of the materials I made or bought. I found a lot of confidence from this book - partly in my parenting techniques and partly in my ability to take to the do-it-yourself stores and make my own materials using his descriptions! If you are going to have one Montessori book - have this one!

Yes, OK, Montessori is a great way for children to learn with play. Yes, many children can benefit greatly from this method. Yes, this book explictly lays out guidlines for this method, and includes lots of activities for preschoolers to do. BUT, even as a stay-at-home mom, I cannot imagine doing more than two or three of these activities at home. WAY too complex and involved. If you are a teacher, this book is for you. If you are a mom looking for educational activities to do with your children, look elsewhere. I was very excited about recieving this book, but it just didn't cut it for me. I don't have a sand table at home, and I don't have time to read this whole book (which is surprisingly substantial). Can't I just do flash cards or some fun crafts instead?

This book gives a nice overview of the Montessori method and how it is used to teach small children. I am a Montessori teacher and parent, so I have looked at the book from both perspectives. I find the information very useful and current.

Maria Montessori had a huge influence on primary education throughout the world. Unfortunately, a cult-like mystique surrounds the Montessori method, which has prevented it being taken seriously by many educators and parents. Basic Montessori opens the celebrated philosophy and method to a more general public for the first time. It clearly explains her ideas and provides a step-by-step guide to the Montessori learning activities most commonly used with under-fives - and even shows how to work with a child at home. No parent or educator should miss out on her marvellous insights into how young children learn