Anyone interested in Montessori inevitably posits many questions, struggles to apply the method authentically, wonders about the materials, feels overwhelmed by the vast curriculum, and flounders with learning or remembering how to give the lessons. I recommend the following best Montessori books to spark your curiosity, answer your burning questions, and fan into flame your passion for teaching, especially if you are teaching your own children!
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by Paula Polk Lillard
Written at the popular level, Montessori Today remains a gateway book into the world of Montessori. It is number one on my list of “Best Montessori Books”! Parents and anyone interested in Montessori will enjoy this book. It fueled my early love of Montessori teaching. Chapters describe the Montessori curriculum highlighting the Great Lessons and Key Lessons, which strike children’s imaginations and act as the catalyst for deep, meaningful work in the classroom.
Classroom Vignettes give an inspiring window into the elementary Montessori classroom.
by Angeline Stoll Lillard
Second on my list of “Best Montessori Books” is Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius. This book remained on my “To Read” list for many years before I finally obtained a copy. It did not disappoint. A great book for those new to Montessori or seasoned veterans of the classroom. The author approaches the Montessori philosophy and method of teaching from the standpoint of the latest scientific research regarding how the brain learns.
Impressively, Montessori comes out very strong in light of what we know about how humans learn best. Using brain learning research as a basis, the author addresses the largest influences found to facilitate or hinder learning. Things like movement, choice and perceived control, executive functioning skills, personal interest, rewards, peer learning, meaningful context, adult-child interactions, and the learning environment.
by Michael Duffy
The subtitle of Math Works sums it up nicely: Montessori math and the developing brain. It is the first on my “Best Montessori Books” list to delve into a specific curriculum area. The book describes the purpose and benefit of individual Montessori math materials. It includes diagrams that complement the material descriptions. There is a strong emphasis on how Montessori math materials support the learning, storing, and recalling of information in the brain. Parents are this book’s main target audience, but teachers also benefit. It is a fast read with only 79 pages (including the author’s page).
The appendix lists all the Montessori math materials from pre-school to sixth grade with a description and purpose of the material.
by Susan Zoll, Natasha Feingerg, and Laura Saylor
The authors of this book focus on the Montessori language curriculum and how it correlates to the recent Science of Reading Research. It is one of the best Montessori books to examine the language curriculum. An overview of Montessori Education and The Science of Reading Research provides the reader with background knowledge to understand both Montessori and the best practices of teaching reading.
Next, the authors correlate the strands of learning to reading as identified by the Science of Reading Research with specific Montessori materials and lessons.
The strands identified in learning to read include word recognition, phonological awareness, decoding words, sight recognition of words, language comprehension, background knowledge, vocabulary, and language structures.
I appreciate that the author highlights the strength of the Montessori materials and lessons, while also applying mainstream strategies.
by Rita Kramer
Anyone interested in the beginnings of the Montessori method and the woman behind its development will enjoy this book. Several biographies of Maria Montessori’s life exist in the literary world. I read and recommend the one written by Rita Kramer. Thoroughly written using sources close to Montessori the author takes the reader on a journey of Maria Montessori’s early life, her triumphs and struggles, the beginnings of the educational movement, its successes, and its difficulties.
Kramer offers a balance between the genius of a young woman doctor building on the work of great educators and psychologists before her, pioneering a new way of seeing and educating children with a very real single mother, separated from her child, trying to protect the intellectual property and authenticity of her work.
Learn from a Book, Practice in Life
These are the best Montessori books to start learning about Montessori.
However, don’t stop there.
When I was a little girl, I wanted to learn ballet. My mom told me to find a book about ballet. I did not appreciate her advice and I never learned ballet. Truthfully, reading about ballet and practicing positions from diagrams and explanations would not have taken me very far in the ballet world.
Starting with a book on any interesting subject gives you an introduction and useful information. Learning and understanding a subject requires practice and coaching.
Put some of the philosophy into practice with your children at home, get a Montessori material that appeals to you, and try some lessons. Most importantly, find a supportive coach. That coach might be a group of like-minded parents, teachers, or YouTube videos.
Owl Tree Montessori wants to supportively coach you in educating your children through blog posts, academic courses, and YouTube lesson videos. Sign up for the email list below, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest, subscribe to our YouTube channel, sign up for a course, or send us an email with your questions and concerns. You don’t have to do it alone!
My first coaching advice is to enjoy your children! Don’t take them, yourself, or any method of teaching too seriously. Observe your children, follow their needs and interests, listen to your intuition, and find what works for you and them. You only get one chance at parenting your children so enjoy them, support them, and do life with them to the best of your ability!