Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook: (Montessori Classics Edition) Paperback – November 24, 2008

I am a great admirer of Maria Montessori and her teaching methods, which are revolutionary even today. In this book she describes the philosophy of freedom given to the child within the carefully prepared environment of the Montessori classroom. She also describes some of the specific teaching materials used for sensory, math, and languagev education. The materials themselves are often ingenious, leading the child to a level of achievement not seen in traditional education (for example, the child may understand advanced number concepts and begin writing and reading words at age four). A significant part of Montessori education for very young children is teaching and then expecting independent self-care and care of the environment (for example, children assist in preparing snacks, serve the snacks, and then clean up). Part of the philosophy, as stated in this book, is to allow maximum child independence with minimum adult intervention, only that which is required to initiate a child's response (for example, demonstrating an action which the child is to imitate). I am looking forward to reading more of Montessori's work. She managed, through careful and systematic observation of the child, to come to conclusions which are now being confirmed through brain research (for example, she realized that early adulthood represented a still developing brain; this has been confirmed through the most recent research). So this brilliant woman is still cutting edge 100 years after enumerating her observations.

I am a strong believer in Dr Montessori, however this item should be banished as it is available free for download at other websites. Also this item lacks all of the images, but fails to clearly state this.

This is my favorite Maria Montessori book, I love her pictures of the kids using the materials. It is great to see what a Montessori classroom looked like in her day, it helps to realize that materials were not all perfect they were well used with chips off the paint, etc. But most of all I love reading her experiences with children, she is absolutely amazing! Plus this book is much easier to read than "Absorbent mind". Definitely recommend this book.

Easy to read quick review by Maria Montessori of her methods and the logic behind them. It gives enough detail to be a high level read but if you really want to implement the method, then its recommended to get the more detailed book "the Montessori Method" also by Maria Montessori.

I want to understand the philosophy behind the method, and I found this little book to be very enlightening. Maria Montessori made the observation of children her life's work, and we are the beneficiaries of it. The tools she created for the instruction of little ones is timeless, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her literature that explains in detail the mind of the child.

Very good information

This is a great overview of the method and philosophy. I especially like her conclusions that the environment determines the character of man.

Excited for this book