There are so many decisions to make when raising a kid, particularly when it comes to parenting style. The Montessori approach has seen rapid growth in recent years – but how do you know if it’s right for your kids?
If you want to learn more about Montessori parenting, there are so many great books out there to help you get started. From practical guides to background on Montessori and child development theory, there’s a Montessori book that suits your needs.
9 Best Montessori Books for Parents
Here are 9 of the best Montessori books for parents interested in learning more about this innovative parenting approach.
How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way
Written by the president of the Montessori Foundation Tim Seldin, How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way is the perfect guide for incorporating Montessori education in your home.
This clear, easy-to-follow guide outlines how to create a safe and nurturing environment for children as they reach milestones and learn independence. It includes activities and educational games that utilize active learning, creativity, and other core Montessori principles.
With activity checklists, informational guides, and expert advice on gentle discipline, co-parenting, and more, this modern approach to Montessori education is ideal for helping parents learn the foundation of Montessori in the home.
The Montessori Toddler
In The Montessori Toddler, author Simone Davies provides a step-by-step guide on how to use Montessori parenting to raise a happy and independent toddler. This book aims to turn the “terrible twos” into a positive growing experience for both you and your child by building respect and fostering natural curiosity.
If you want to bring Montessori parenting to your one- to three-year-old, you’ll love the activities and information in this guide. The book also provides valuable insight to help cultivate a rewarding routine and create a mindful home environment for you and your toddler.
Also Read: What Is Montessori Parenting?
The Montessori Baby
For parents of babies up to one year old, The Montessori Baby is a fantastic way to bring Montessori-based parenting into the home. Co-written by Simone Davies and Junnifa Uzodike, this easy-to-follow parents guide has everything you need to raise a baby with respect, love, and mindfulness.
This book provides helpful instructions on bringing Montessori principles into your home, including:
- Creating activities that encourage development and foster exploration
- Setting up a mindful environment for you and your baby
- Learning to become an active observer
Along with these guides, the book offers checklists, reflection questions, and more to help you understand your baby and assist with its needs.
Also Read: Montessori VS Traditional School System
Babies Build Toddlers
Babies Build Toddlers offers an illustrative approach to Montessori parenting during the first 18 months of a child’s life. Throughout this book, Mariana Bissonnette uses easy-to-follow visuals, and organized chapters to help current and future parents learn about Montessori.
This 18-month period is crucial in creating a solid foundation for a child to reach developmental milestones and build their character.
With this straightforward guide, parents can learn how to use Montessori-based learning to support their child, build independence, and support their brain and social development.
Also Read: Worst Age To Move A Child
The 1946 London Lectures
If you want to learn about the background, science, and history of Montessori, The 1946 London Lectures by Maria Montessori is one of the best places to start.
After a lifetime of studying and developing her innovative approach to education, Maria Montessori shared her experiences and observations after traveling the world and implementing the Montessori Method.
The 1946 London Lectures were a part of Montessori’s first training course in Europe following World War II. These lectures highlight her experiences in human development, from infancy to adolescence, and have become an essential read for any Montessori parent.
The Montessori Method
Another must-read by Maria Montessori, The Montessori Method highlights the foundation of Montessori learning and the principles that guide this practice at home and schools.
This book outlines how the Montessori method should play a role in a child’s learning environment. Throughout this guide, Montessori offers insight into childhood development and the science behind her educational philosophies.
From incorporating physical activities in lessons to advice on discipline, diets, and language at home, this comprehensive review of the Montessori Method offers crucial insight that any parent or educator can learn from.
The Discovery of the Child
For an even more in-depth understanding of Maria Montessori’s approach to education, you should take a look through The Discovery of the Child.
In this book, Montessori offers new and unique insight into the nature of the child, and how her observations and knowledge of children as they develop shaped her educational principles and guidelines.
Montessori principles emphasize children’s natural urge to learn. Throughout The Discovery of the Child, Maria Montessori highlights this natural desire to learn and be independent and applies her method of scientific pedagogy to help work with children and support their curiosity and independence.
The Absorbent Mind
In The Absorbent Mind, Maria Montessori focuses her childhood development theory on children up to six years old – the most developmentally crucial stage of their life.
This book provides an exceptional foundation for understanding Montessori and how to incorporate these principles at home. The ideas and guidelines in this book are timeless, as The Absorbent Mind continues to be a keystone of Montessori today.
Along with the science and development background, the book walks you through brain development in the first six years and ideas for play and Montessori-based activities that will nurture your child and support their self-reliance.
Practical Guide to the Montessori Method at Home
For parents looking for a simple, straightforward way to embrace the Montessori Method at home with their kids, the Practical Guide to the Montessori Method at Home is a fantastic read.
Written by Julia Palmarola, this hands-on guide has everything you need to successfully learn and apply Montessori principles with your kids. Highlights include:
- An introduction to the Montessori philosophy
- Illustrated examples organized by age and subject
- A guide to simple, accessible Montessori materials
- Simple, easy-to-follow Montessori activities classified by age
With so many creative activities and guides, this book makes it simple to begin fostering a mindful and imaginative environment at home.
Montessori: A Modern Approach
In Montessori: A Modern Approach, Montessori teacher Paula Polk Lillard applies the timeless principles of Montessori to the modern world of education and parenting.
Along with outlining the Montessori method, this guide answers questions about Montessori that arise among modern-day parents. For concerned working parents, this objective take on Montessori can help decide whether Montessori is right for your child.
The writing is concise and easy to follow, making this an ideal guide for any parent, educator, or childcare worker.
FAQs
Let’s take a look at the most frequently asked questions about Montessori and Montessori books.
What Is The Montessori Parenting Style?
In the Montessori Parenting Style, parents apply the main Montessori principles to create a relaxed, patient, and easygoing home environment. This parenting style involves many main components, including:
– Following the child’s desires
– Allowing them to learn and explore the world on their own
– Using natural consequences as opposed to negative punishments
How Do I learn Montessori Parenting?
Montessori books are a great way to learn about the main principles of this parenting and education style. Many educators and childcare professionals have written helpful and insightful guides to some of the main components of Montessori.
Which Maria Montessori Books To Read?
The Discovery of the Child is a great starting point, as it offers a thorough guide to what Montessori is and how this method works in the context of childhood development.
For more information on Montessori activities and philosophies, The Absorbent Mind is a fantastic choice, especially for current or future parents.