The Absorbent Mind

Book Description

In response to the crisis in American education, more than five thousand public and private schools across the nation have adopted the timeless Montessori Method of teaching, of which this book is the cornerstone. Written by the women whose name is synonymous worldwide with child development theory, The Absorbent Mind takes its title from the phrase that the inspired Italian doctor coined to characterize the child's most crucial developmental stage: the first six years.A new foreword by John Chattin-McNichols, Ph.D., President of the American Montessori Society, places this classic book in a contemporary context, offering an intelligent discussion of current thinking in child education.

Customer Reviews:

Great Info.......2007-06-27

As a new mom, I learned a lot information from this book. Not sure if all of the opions are right, but still it is good to know them.

Montessori is a way of life, much more than just the materials.......2005-11-14

The Absorbent Mind isn't easy reading, the translation from Italian to English compromises the flow, however, the content is as precious as diamonds. I read it 3 times before I became comfortable with the writing style. The messages in the book are valuable. I'm happy to see that The Absorbent Mind and other Montessori literature are starting to appear on recommended reading lists 'outside the Montessori circle', it is relevant to ALL.

As for the reviewer who bought the Montessori school and changed the name... There is so much more to Montessori than the wonderful materials, without the right staff, those materials will be misused.

I am yet to see another educational philosophy that is as relevant, as respectful and holistic as Montessori.

The Fundamentals of Child education.......2003-12-19

This book spells out Maria Montessori's most salient observations about child development. An absolute 'must read'.
As for the reviewer who bought the school, I'd suggest he sell it and go work in a nursing home.

this book will change the way you see children.......2003-02-13

This is Montessori's last book, and the most in-depth discussion of her theory based on decades of scientific observation of children. It discusses the special mind of the child, and how nurturing the special potentialities that only children have is the only way to change (and save) humanity. Montessori's theories are particularly interesting today in light of recent neurological discoveries, especially those related to critical periods and language.

This is a very dense book, and requires a good deal of concentration and time to read. I would recommmend The Child in the Family as the first book for one wanting an overview of Montessori ideas.

a guide for my life.......2001-02-06

I first read The Absorbant Mind" in 1969, It changed the way I raised my children, how I valued their "work" of being children, and how I now work with the mentally ill. I find myself often reviewing the concept that all people really do the best they can, and that using her respect of others, and her method,of going from concrete to abstract concepts is a useful baseline. Dr. Montessori never wasted words in this book, I had to concentrate on each sentance, or I'd miss something. I thank my sister, a Montessori teacher, for introducing it to me, she is Joanna Taylor, who taught for 3o years in SLC.

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Couldn't get past the boring format...
The Secrets of 'The Secret of Childhood'
Montessori's Philosophy is respectful and beautiful.
Incompetent preaching and ignorant theories
A great peek at what Montessori's teachings are all about

Secret of Childhood
Maria Montessori
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345305833
Release Date: 1982-01-12

Book Description

Maria Montessori describes the child with warmth and the exactness of a scientist. She also discusses the array of materials and techniques needed to release his learning potential.

Customer Reviews:

Couldn't get past the boring format..........2007-05-19

I only read the first two chapters. The format was very dry and hard to read. This book was not what i was hoping it would be. I hope there are other books about the Montessori approach that aren't as bland.

The Secrets of 'The Secret of Childhood'.......2004-03-15

Since 1936, when her seminal work 'The Secret of Childhood' was first published, Maria Montessori has been the leading figure in promoting a holistic education approach to children of all ages. Concepts as radical as the three fundamental freedoms (the freedom to repeat work, the freedom to move around the classroom and the freedom to choose which work they want to do) that each child should have, blast forth form the pages like a breaking news story.

However, the 'secrets' in the book quickly surface as Montessori begins with a look at the traditional perception of the child. She believed that the child was going to be the major concern of the twentieth century and when the education systems that exist today are compared to those of the turn of the 20th century, it can easily be argued that she was right.

She does not end with feeble predictions, however, and goes on to talk of how adults have failed children and will continue to do so unless they change their attitude to children. For some this book will not turn out to be the rainbows and cuddly toys that they traditionally associate with books concerning young children! She pulls no punches in condemning those who have held children in such low regard for so long.

The psychological features present in the new born child, feature strongly in the early part of the book. Montessori cites the work of Hugo de Vries as a precursor to her work on 'Sensitive Periods', which are essentially, periods of time throughout the child's development where he is able to learn certain life skills. Once these periods are missed, it is unlikely that the child will be able to learn the skill, ever. These skills include speech, mobility and several others. From this snippet alone, it would seem that this work is very important to all parents, or people who are thinking about being parents.

Next there is a look at 'Order' and how important a well ordered environment is to the child. It is not as simple as putting everything away so that the child can not hurt him or herself with things or break things. Montessori believes that the child should be encouraged to explore the environment. She believes that the only real way that the child can do this, is if the environment is maintained so that the child can become familiar with its contents. The environment, she is careful to add, is not solely made up of the physical rooms and items, it is also made up of actions, sounds and everything that a child is exposed to.

The second part of the book focuses on how to educate the child. As with much that Montessori writes, there is a certain spirituality contained in the book that seems to help adults in their comprehension of the fact that the child is to be perceived as a whole being. Throughout the section that tells a brief history of the first school, there is clearly a more metaphyical nature to this approach of education.

The first school was opened in 1907, called Casa dei Bambini. The observations that Montessori took here are the basis for the Method she is famous for and also the overall essence of this book. Montessori, unlike most other educators, designed her classrooms to be 'hands-on' learning environments. She fashioned the equipment based on the work of 19th century education innovators, Jean-Marc Gaspard Itard and Edouard Séguin, with an emphasis on 'Sensorial' education and what she called 'Practical Life' exercises. (These exercises consisted of everyday tasks such as washing hands and buttoning coats, which she determined, led the children to higher independence). The materials were very didactic and allowed her to focus on the theory that she had of the child needing work for the hands.

In the next section, she discusses the observations that she was able to make from the children in this setting. As mentioned earlier, she determined that there were three essential freedoms that the child needed to have in order to be successful. These freedoms are interspersed with observations about various other psychological behaviors that the children displayed. Their propensity for 'order' astounded Montessori and soon she allowed them to put the materials away, instead of having the teacher of the classroom do it. This, seemingly, small incident and many more like it, are the makings of Montessori. Her focus on detail is what allowed her to see beyond what other adults had either failed to see or had chosen to ignore.

She continues with interesting information concerning the child's lack of attraction to toys that were placed in the room, due to their focus on the didactic materials that were present instead. She also discusses traditional rewards and punishment systems and how children are typically turned off and unaffected in the way that the system is designed to work. She writes instead, about 'Spontaneous Discipline' which she infers is directly related to the sense of order and the work for the hands.

She continues the controversial (in some circles) theme of the book that introduces the role of the child as that of 'worker'. She exponentially speaks of the instincts that the child shows for work and follows this with the differences between the adult's work and the work of the child. Throughout the whole book, the focus that Montessori puts on elevating the child to a higher plane than that of the adult, is constantly noticeable.

Her theories of inner growth through work are tied together in the last section also and we see the anthropological expertise that Montessori has brought to this study. She shows the steps that each of us go through to become an adult.

In recognizing the wisdom of this great observer of people, this book goes a long way to helping the argument that the child-focused approach is the finest way to create great adults from children.

Montessori's Philosophy is respectful and beautiful........2002-05-10

This as well as many books written by Dr. Montessori are enlightening, educational and serve as a model for all parents raising children today. Her vision of peace and all of her teachings need to be brought to responsible parents and care givers. Children are our future....peace was Maria Montessori's vision....teach it!

Incompetent preaching and ignorant theories.......2001-05-26

I had high expectations for this book based on prior reviews, and was severely disappointed. Instead of expected profound insights into child psychology and wise practical advices, I found a wordy discourse on the life of bees and butterflies, shallow preaching, and amazing ignorance. As a child psychologist she is plain incompetent. One example: describing a situation where a child started crying when a stranger brought in an umbrella and put it on a table, and stopped crying when the umbrella was taken away, the author attributed the crying to some mysterious "love of orderliness" in babies, instead of realizing the obvious fact that the child was simply scared of a large unfamiliar object, as is often the case with small babies. The author is ignorant in general science as well. For example, she claims the knowledge of human anatomy didn't exist at all untill 17th century, completely ignoring the rich experience of ancient Egyptians etc. Overall, this book is outdated, ignorant, and shallow, and is of little practical help in bringing up children.

A great peek at what Montessori's teachings are all about.......1999-11-20

I've been curious about Montessori for some time and this book was wonderful at introducing her teachings. She explains how many teaching methods are not only ineffective but harmful because they oppress a child's natural desire to learn and create. While, I think what she was saying was idealistic at times, I think all parents and schools would benefit by reading this book and incorporating these principles in how they teach children

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A useful classic, but very dated
a classic work on child pedagogy
was what i wanted

The Montessori Method
Maria Montessori
Manufacturer: Schocken
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0805209220
Release Date: 1988-10-30

Book Description

This book is Montessori's own exposition of the theory behind her innovative educational techniques. She shows parents, teachers and administrators how to "free a child to learn through his own efforts".

Customer Reviews:

A useful classic, but very dated.......2003-11-17

While there is much to commend this book, especially for parents of children in Montessori programs (which is why I read it), there is also much about it that is a problem. First, there is a gushiness in Montessori's utopian descriptions of how her program will create a "new man"--it's almost Leninist in its cadence, and it made me wonder whether Mussolini liked her Children's Houses. The disrespect for what children learn at home is palpable. Second, the section on the diet for children is hopelessly out of date. I'm sure her views, circa 1900, were the best science could offer, but we've gone way beyond advocating a diet rich in fats and sugar and prohibiting all milk products except butter. Third, there is too much detail for the general reader (i.e. most parents) about linguistic theory--and I really like linguistics. Her strengths, of course, are her emphases on the liberty and independence of the child (tempered by concern for society), stimulation and development of the senses, and the importance of writing. This inexpensive edition is worth having, but expect to skim a lot.

a classic work on child pedagogy.......2002-07-18

Here, Maria Montessori introduces a scientific approach to pedagogy. The Montessori schools which she established and developed are intended for children three to seven years of age. The children are allowed as much freedom as possible and are provided with "didactic materials" which are various artifacts which they can use to educate themselves. They are supervised by a single directress whose primary task is to observe the children and direct their efforts by explaining to them how various didactic materials are used (it's very simple, but nothing is obvious to a young child). This book offers some valuable concete advice, but its primary use to me was as an introduction to the approach of scientific pedagogy. The basic premises as I understand them are that (1) children have a natural desire to learn and (2) one can learn how to live in freedom only by being free. These premises are fully supported and fleshed out in the book. The Montessori method achieved startling results, with four year old children (on average) learning to be masters of themselves, disciplined, benevolent, self-confident, and capable of reading and writing. Every educator should be familiar with Maria Montessori's work.

was what i wanted.......1999-11-20

wha s excelent revew about the book and was prity impresed about i

Montessori: The Science behind the Genius

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Supreme Learning
Great Montessori Resource
Montessori was a genius, and here is the proof!
start here, almost there
Highly informative

Montessori: The Science behind the Genius
Angeline Stoll Lillard
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0195168682

Book Description

Traditional American schooling is in constant crisis because it is based on two poor models for children's learning: the school as a factory and the child as a blank slate. School reforms repeatedly fail by not learning from the shortcomings of these models. One hundred years ago, Maria Montessori, the first female physician in Italy, devised a very different method of educating children, based on her observations of how they naturally learn. Does Montessori education provide a viable alternative to traditional schooling? Do Dr. Montessori's theories and practices stand up to the scrutiny of modern-day developmental psychology? Can developmental psychology tell us anything about how and why Montessori methods work? In Montessori, now with a foreword by Renilde Montessori, the youngest grandchild of Maria Montessori, Angeline Stoll Lillard shows that science has finally caught up with Maria Montessori. Lillard presents the research concerning eight insights that are foundations of Montessori education, describing how each of these insights is applied in the Montessori classroom. In reading this book, parents and teachers alike will develop a clear understanding of what happens in a Montessori classroom and, more important, why it happens and why it works. Lillard, however, does much more than explain the scientific basis for Montessori's system: Amid the clamor for evidence-based education, she presents the studies that show how children learn best, makes clear why many traditional practices come up short, and describes an ingenious alternative that works. Everyone interested in education, at all levels and in all forms, will take from this book a wealth of insights. Montessori is indispensable reading for anyone interested in what psychologists know about human learning and development, and how to use it to improve teaching effectiveness.

Customer Reviews:

Supreme Learning .......2007-06-28

As a former Montessori student, I've been amazed at how other children develop learning methods in classroom experiences across the U.S. With our educational system in flux, how about looking to Maria Montessori and her teaching philosophies that she developed a century ago.

I may hold a biased view for Montessori learning. However, Montessori believed that the 'factory method' of schooling was outdated. Believing that children have blank slates for learning, she created learning techniques and environments that develop concentration, independent thought, motivation, curiosity, and self-discipline for life's choices. After reading this book, I'm in full agreement with her teaching methods.

Lilliard explains the history and theories behind Montessori education in-depth and with strength. She explains the importance of our relationships and environments within the classroom and our homes, and she explores the knee-jerk arguments against Montessori education. If you're working or raising children, you'll be way ahead of the game with this thorough and insightful book.

I wanted to explore the foundations of how I learn in life, and Lillard answers my questions. I'm not only more knowledgable about how I learn, but also I'm more aware how intelligence is developed and the possibilites of how our youth can learn in today's world.

Add to your building blocks of knowledge, and explore Montessori methods...This is a supreme read.

Great Montessori Resource.......2007-05-13

This is a great book to peruse if you have an interest in furthering Montessori's educational philosophy at home, in traditional, or alternative schools.

Montessori was a genius, and here is the proof!.......2007-01-10

Montessori school? Nearly 40 years ago my wife began working in a Montessori school as a classroom assistant. I was busy in Hollywood working as an assistant editor for Roger Corman. Montessori school? It wasn't long before my wife had me sitting in her classroom 'observing' the children. Montessori school? How does one make a career change so quickly? Maybe it's when your wife says, "I'm going to Italy to get my Montessori teacher training!" We both graduated from the International Center for Montessori Studies in Bergamo, Italy in 1972 and we've both been teaching in Montessori schools ever since. Witnessing and working with the impact of Montessori's genius for more than 35 years has provided our own hands-on validation of what Montessori's approach can provide learners of all ages. Lillard's book provides the documented empirical evidence of Montessori's value that up until now has been missing. We Montessori teachers know the value of a genuine Montessori experience, now there's evidence, too. Although this book's audience might be the academic world, parents too can gather plenty of reasons as to why their children should be enrolled in an authentic Montessori program.

start here, almost there.......2006-11-18

I recommend this book to anyone interested in 'Montessori' education with three caveats:

1. The author is certainly partisan and in favour of AMI. There are other interpretations of 'Montessori' (e.g. AMS, IMS) out there that should have received equal coverage in the text. 'Montessori' is a somewhat contested term, and this book could have offered a more catholic representation of the Church of Montessori. It's certainly no where near being the 'last word' on what constitutes the method or the movement.

2. The research literature is sometimes dealt with in a somewhat procrustean manner. Read the references carefully and do your own reading to ensure that you agree with the conclusions that have been reached. I realise that the selective quoting and interpretation of peer reviewed articles is part of the game when it comes to writing a book like this, but I think that the effect of on the reader of chasing up articles and then finding that they don't quite say what the author claims that they do spoils the sense that one is being presented with an objective appraisal of Montessori's 'genius'.

3. Whether or not the fundamentals of 'Montessori' education are even a matter for "science" is open to question. The materials in a Montessori classroom are treated as the sacrements of the faith, rather than experimental equipment. A large number of the 'Montessori' method's practices are as yet 'not proven' by psychological science. So be prepared to read, "whether this is the correct has yet to be determined by empirical research' more than a few times. Even if scientists don't argue over exactly what constitutes science, philosophers of science do, and it may be that the entire concept of science has moved on from Maria Montessori's time.

As the title suggests this work has hagiographic tendencies, yet on the whole it is mandatory reading for anyone interested in learning about 'Montessori'. For an evenhanded historical perspective of the woman, the method and the movement (and their problematic inseparability) I'd recommend Rita Kramer's biography. As an introduction to Montessori's own writings, her "Handbook" is refreshingly concise (steer clear of her hazy, ghost-written, money making compilations of lectures). If this all sounds too difficult, why not support the Montessorian dynastic principle and pick up A. Lillard's mum's book "Montessori Today" instead?
[edited 17/01/07]

Highly informative.......2006-04-27

I first heard of this book from a friends mother who is a montessori teacher. I attended a lecture by Dr. Lillard about this book. It was interesting to see how there is a way to really teach children, after hearing about how much public schools are failing our children. After the lecture I went home and purchased the book. I can't say enough about it. Its incredibly interesting and I think that everyone not just parents should read it. It is amazing what children can accomplish when given the tools and opportunity that montessori provides.

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Discovery of the child

Discovery of the Child
Maria Montessori
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

ASIN: 0345336569
Release Date: 1986-05-12

Book Description

Maria Montessori went beyond the conventions of the day to seek a new way of knowing and loving a child. In THE DISCOVERY OF THE CHILD, she describes the nature of the child and her method of working more fully with the child's urge to learn. With 16 pages of photographs.

Customer Reviews:

Discovery of the child.......2001-02-21

This is a very good introduction to Dr Maria Montessori's teachings and ideas. It gives an account of how she derived many of her methods and the materials she used. The book is filled with details and interesting encounters with her little charges which makes her an endearing educator. However, it does not contain enough information for the actual exercises the child is supposed to practise.

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A Montessori school trustee (and parent) says thumbs up!

Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work
E. M. Standing
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0452279895

Book Description

Maria Montessori is important background reading for parents considering Montessori education for their children, as well as for those training to become Montessori teachers. The first woman to win a degree as a Doctor of Medicine in Italy in 1896, Maria Montessori's mission to improve children's education began in the slums of Rome in 1907, and continued throughout her lifetime. Her insights into the minds of children led her to develop prepared environments and other tools and devices that have come to characterize Montessori education today. Her influence in other countries has been profound and many of her teaching methods have been adopted by educators generally. Part biography and part exposition of her ideas, this engaging book reveals through her letters and personal diaries Maria Montessori's humility and delight in the success of her educational experiments and is an ideal introduction to the principals and practices of the greatest educational pioneer of the 20th century.
The new introduction to Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work by Lee Havis, executive director of the International Montessori Society, discusses the changes that have taken place in Montessori education within recent years.
An updated appendix of Montessori periodicals, courses, societies, films, and teaching materials.
A revised bibliography of books by and about Maria Montessori.

Customer Reviews:

A Montessori school trustee (and parent) says thumbs up!.......1996-06-25

This is the book that opened Montessori's theories and achievements to me in a way her own writing never managed to. The Standings are not unbiased, having worked with Dr. Montessori --- but they do an excellent job of weaving Montessori's life story with her teaching discoveries and methods. If someone is interested in learning about the Montessori method, and can only read one book, this is the one. There is another biography by Rita Kramer that looks good, but I haven't gotten to it yet. Good luck!

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Highlights basic teaching methods and apparatus.

Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook
Maria Montessori
Manufacturer: Schocken
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0805209212
Release Date: 1988-10-30

Book Description

A short, illustrated guide to the use of Montessori classroom materials. Describes how to set up a "children's house" - an environment for learning where children can be their own masters.

Customer Reviews:

Highlights basic teaching methods and apparatus........1998-04-25

This short book is like an Army basic training manual. Montessori teaching methods are described in detail, like recipes in a cookbook. An interesting section on food for children recommends large amounts of fat and sugar foods and therefore seems outdated. The systematic order achieved by the method is described as desirable while too much variety and child/teacher interaction is regarded as undesirable. The book warns that over-stimulating a child's imagination could cause him or her to miss the purpose of the lessons (tell that to Barney). The author's works have a ring of truth throughout and are valuable because of the spirit they convey even today.

From Childhood to Adolescence: Including 'Erdkinder' and the Functions of the University

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From Childhood to Adolescence: Including 'Erdkinder' and the Functions of the University
Maria Montessori
Manufacturer: Schocken
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0805205004
Release Date: 1987-09-13

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Mass Explained to Children
Maria Montessori
Manufacturer: Roman Catholic Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0912141611

Product Description

Reprint. A most valuable book! Every conceivable element of the traditional Mass unfolds before the eyes of children 8 to 15 in this masterpiece. The author: famed educator Maria Montessori. She employs abundant illustrations (36). Hundreds of childrens questions -- and not only childrens questions -- are answered. The book lends itself to reading to smaller children, but is geared to 8 to 15 year olds. It is narrative, not storytelling, not condescending.

The Child in the Family (The Clio Montessori Series)

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excellent book for parents, doctors who treat children and teachers

The Child in the Family (The Clio Montessori Series)
Maria Montessori
Manufacturer: ABC-Clio Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1851091130

Customer Reviews:

excellent book for parents, doctors who treat children and teachers.......2006-01-12

This book explains the Montessori philosophy. Emphasizing that children from birth on should be treated with respect, the same repect we would have when we have a guest in the house. She talks about the newborn period and one wishes our kids doctors would read it, then she writes about kids and teens and their relationship with their parents.

This book is a revolution for it's time and still is as actual as if it were written last month.

I highly recommend it. It's a shame it isn't as popular as other Montessori books.

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