Implementing the Montessori Method: Learner-Centered Education from Birth Through Adolescence

Experts provide a comprehensive overview of how Montessori education supports children’s development across the life continuum.

This book shows the importance of Montessori education as a developmental, individualized, and learner-centered model that supports student learning from birth through adolescence. Chapters offer profiles of Montessori classrooms with insight into how the materials in the learning environment, the adult educators, and the curriculum help learners flourish by building character, physical skills, and intellectual capacity.

The text includes vignettes for each classroom level demonstrating the Montessori pedagogy in action, as well as alignment to research confirming the effectiveness of this holistic instructional approach. Montessori education is a well-defined and self-sustaining movement. The book provides readers with insight from Montessori alumni, along with resources and links to organizations that support the Montessori constellation.

Readers can use this book:

• In teacher education programs with undergraduate and graduate students to show connections to human development and research-based instructional practices.
• With students enrolled in Montessori training programs to support their understanding of the Montessori curriculum as being both comprehensive and integrated across the learning continuum (infants, early childhood, elementary, secondary classrooms).
• As a useful tool to support families enrolled in Montessori schools to better understand their child’s development and the benefits of this educational model beyond the classroom.
• To inform state and local policymakers of Montessori education as an empirical solution and proven option for families to meet the needs of all children.

Trisha Thompson-Willingham has Montessori training at three levels and 30 years’ experience as a guide, special educator, literacy specialist, principal, board member, and state group leader. Susan Zoll is a researcher, consultant, and advocate of Montessori education, and recipient of the American Montessori Society’s Impact Award. www.dr-susan-zoll.com