Montessori Today: A Comprehensive Approach to Education from Birth to Adulthood

Fabulous book explaining Montessori (especially Elementary level--the only book to do so in clearterms. Excellent for parents considering Montessorielementary.

Three years ago - I was scrambling for alternatives to public schools and I NEEDED to know what a Montessori shool was all about. I read Maria Montessori's book and that explained her goals and her methods in a highly abstract manner - it left me at a loss of how a Montessori class was conducted, how it operated day-to-day. In other words, I understood the theory, but I could not visualize the application. This book explained the practical application should look like - ie:1. what a Montessori class should look like when you're observing. 2. What/How your child will be guided on a day-to-day basis.3. How to track his or her progress in the absence of a report card, etc.

This book was extremely informative on what you should expect from your montessori school for your children over age 6 (it also described before age 6 but there are many books on the 3-6 age group for Montessori). I have found it very difficult(until this book) to find out what the montessori education has to offer over traditional education after age six. Boy was I blown over at the difference between the Montessori theory/practice over the traditional form of schooling. It seems almost cruel to ever put your child in traditional public schools that still teach children to take a submissive role. I urge everyone to please read this book. Learn about the Five Major Lessons and the positive,cooperative, interactive approach to education/life.

Montessori Today is one of the best books I have read regarding how a Montessori elementary school educates its students. It answers alot of questions regarding the content of the elementary program and how it works. It gives parents who are considering or who have children in the elementary Montessori school a very good synopsis of what is covered. I feel that Paula Lillard has a special gift in being able to write a book that is so easy to understand. It makes you want the very best for your child or children and it gives parents a wonderful tool to use to help them evaluate and improve their child's education. It is also extremely helpful, I think, for the Montessori educator. It gives a clear overview of the elementary program and can help them better inform their student's parents about the Montessori program. Overall, I feel that it was a well-timed and well written book. It is very much needed