Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook: A Short Guide to Her Ideas and Materials

This book was so intersting it made me want to read more of Dr Montessori's work. It really helps knowing what her system is all about. I love it!

The book came from the supplier -- great shape, very quickly and wrapped so well it could have made the trip to China!

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 An interesting section on food for children recommends large amounts of fat and sugar foods and therefore seems outdated.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.