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Average Customer Rating:

Introduction is horrible

Customer Rating:

The introduction to this book is horrible. It uses the good name of Maria Montessori to promote "progressive" education; whole language; and socialism. The intro boasts that Montessori was part of the progressive education movement. The PM was started by John Dewey. I've done extensive research on Maria Montessori and not once have I read that she crossed paths with or mention John Dewey. The Montessori method is about sensory education. John Dewey on the other hand says, "The mere absorbing of facts and truths is so exclusively individual an affair that it tends very naturally to pass into selfishness." Their two educational philosophies are wholly opposite. The introduction doesn't say Montessori was a socialist per se, but that this topic was studied a lot in colleges of her time and she "no doubt" was "eager for social change." And in the introduction, the author makes a plea for, of all things, whole language! Whole language has been an abysmal failure in teaching children to read. I want with all my soul to recommend a book about Montessori. But this books serves to smear her good name. A common misconception about Montessori is indeed that it is more of a "progressive" education where children are given no guidance, rules, etc. But anarchy is NOT what the Montessori method is about. It is about very specific guidance given to children to help them become self learners. Montessori's primary goal is to create a child who is a self learner, thinker and producer; Dewey's goal was to "socialize" children. This book may have good practical advice but please beware the propaganda at the beginning.

Great advice	Customer Rating:
I really enjoyed reading this book. Easy to follow guidelines for arranging your home and life in your child's best interest. I and my kids like the games and activities this book introduced. For anyone who would like to know what montessori style is all about and how to raise kids to their best potential, this book needs to be on the list.

Informative & practical, easy-to-implement activities!

Customer Rating:

My daughter will be attending a Montessori preschool in a couple of months [she's 2], and I wanted a practical manual that would introduce me to Montessori methods I could implement at home. This book is full of practical ideas, and is filled with activities and games thatare easy to implement in the home, and as a follow-up to preschool learning. The book covers topics like who is Maria Montessori, what is the essence of the Montessori method,how to use the Montessori method, planning your home around your child[child's bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, hall &stairs, games & activities] , exploring the neighborhood[in the backyard, in the park, in the countryside, in the city, going to school], & discovering about the world[the human family, journeys & explorations, the universe]. There are lots of practical & useful activities & games that one can implement with relative ease in the home or outside. The ideas in this book go a long way to helping stimulate a young child in line with the Montessori method.

Great intro book	Customer Rating:
We bought this book to get us familiar with the Montessori method of teaching. Our son is about to start at a Montessori school and we wanted to get educated in the teachings as well. It's a great intro book and I especially found the exercises fun and interesting.

great for moms, teachers, etc

Customer Rating:

I am a medical student, single parent and needed something to introduce me to Montessori instruction. I plan to enroll my 36 month old soon, but at this time, she is fine in the care of her grandparents and in the evenings, with me. Until she begins Montessori, I want to begin instilling some of the instructions. I ordered this book along with one other you will notice in my reviewed items. Both books are very good in my opinion, and all that I need. Even if I never enroll her in daycare, preschool, this is adequate. It gives great ideas that a parent or caregiver can share while with the child. Very good quality book.