Since the remarkable success of Maria Montessori's first school ninety years ago, her theories have had a revolutionary influence on educational practices around the world—not only in avowed Montessori schools but also in learning programs of every type. In the United States alone there are thousands of schools dedicated ot the Montessori method, and there are many others that have incorporated much from her teachings.

This newly revised and updated edition of The Essential Montessori will be welcomed by long-term practitioners and newcomers to the method alike. Concise and readable, the book has been relied upon for almost two decades as the definitive guide to the writings of Maria Montessori and to the teaching and application of her ideas in today's educational arena, as well as being an indispensable sourcebook for teacher training programs, advice on choosing schools, materials needed for the classroom, and much more. The Public School Montessorians says of the author: "Her books on Montessori education almost certainly establish her as the most widely read interpreter of Montessori in the United States.… Her writing is clear and accessible, unfettered by jargon."

For those interested in the best education for their children, this volume fully lives up to its title. It has earned its place as the essential work on the subject.

Foreword
Preface
Introduction

1. Maria Montessori: The Woman and the Method

2. Introduction of the Method into the United States
1912
1958

3. Criticisms of the Method
Answers to Some Common Criticisms

4. Adaptability of the Method
Special Education
Culturally Disadvantaged
Behavior Modification
Public Schools
In the Home
Federally Funded Programs

5. The Relevance of Montessori Today and in the Future

6. Montessori's Views of Her Work
The First Children's House
Sources of Inspiration
The Adult and the Child
The Discovery of the Child: The Absorbent Mind; Normalization; Observations of the Child; The Child and Work
The Sensitive Periods
Independence
Obedience
Liberty, Freedom, and Order
Movement and Activity
The Method
The Prepared Environment: The Children's House; The Teacher; The Materials and the Lessons
Practical Applications of the Theory: Sensory Education; Language; Writing and Reading; Arithmetic; Imagination and Fantasy; Art and Music; Physical Education and Nature
On Education and Schools

7. Appendixes
A. Familiar Montessori Terms
B. Classroom Materials
C. A Comparison of Montessori and Traditional Pre-School Education
D. Choosing a Montessori School for Your Child
E. The Evolution of the Montessori Community
F. Montessori Informational Sources: Organizations; Other Sources; Materials
G. Montessori Teacher Education Programs
H. Research and the Six-Year Study
I. Selected Bibliography
J. Some Highlights in the Life of Maria Montessori