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Montessori and Early Childhood
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Montessori and Early Childhood
A Guide for Students

First Edition
  • Susan Feez - University of New England, Armidale, Australia


November 2009 | 192 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

Early childhood education across the world has been influenced by the pioneering work of Maria Montessori, and this book provides a complete overview of Montessori pedagogy and practice. It considers the Montessori approach within the context of early childhood education and care, and examines it in the light of new insights from the fields of neuroscience and child development.

By helping the reader understand the influence of Montessori on contemporary early years policy and practice, the book outlines ideas relevant to all early years settings, and suggests ways for all early childhood educators to apply these ideas in practice.

The book looks in detail at:

  • The Montessori story
  • The child as worker and the adult as observer
  • Developing independence and concentration
  • Using the senses to build the foundations for learning
  • Early communication and language
  • Early mathematics
  • Cultural knowledge and understanding
  • Maria Montessori, and other early childhood pioneers

Within each chapter are definitions of the key concepts of the Montessori approach, questions for reflection and discussion, activities and suggestions for further reading. This book focuses on the 3 to 6 age range.


 
Introduction
 
The Montessori Story
 
The child worker and the adult observer
 
An environment of movement and order
 
The exercises of practical life
 
The exercises of the senses
 
Montessori Language
 
Montessori mathematics
 
Prepared paths to culture
 
Montessori in context

'This is an interesting and informative book for practitioners keen to extend their understanding of the Montessori approach...It will be a very valuable source of information for early childhood studies students studying contemporary approaches to early years practice. The book is accessible and easy to read and will also provide parents with a valuable insight into the origins and current practice of Montessori education' -
Early Years Update


'An engaging, clear and informative account of the influence and current relevance of Maria Montessori's contribution to educating young children. Thought provoking, practical and very readable - of value to professionals and parents alike' - Lynne Lawrence, Executive Director, Association Montessori Internationale


This is great book for those who are interested in Montessory approaches in Early childhood settings. It can be a useful guide for students and tutors in the field and it is recommended for university courses focusing on the pioneers in Early Childhood. It introduces all the most important aspects of early years care and Montessori education, and can help students and practitioners develop the key skills needed to study, criticize and implement such approach through theoretical and practical examples.

Dr Kyriakos Demetriou
Education , Liverpool Hope University
November 11, 2015

A comprehensive, clear and easy to follow book which answers any questions about the Montessori Approach. I found the case studies and "things to think about" very useful for use with groups of students.

Mrs Angela Hodgkins
Institute Of Education, Worcester Univ.
September 8, 2014

An excellent overview of Montessori’s practice and beliefs in addition to some good questions for discussion and activities.

Mrs Svetlana Shivacheva
University Centre Croydon, Croydon College
July 1, 2014

When discussing Montessori students enjoyed reading this book and was able to understand the Montessori way of working with children.

Mrs Sarah Tipler
Higher Education, North Lindsey College
June 23, 2013

Excellent outline of Maria Montessori’s work educating young children. The book introduces Montessori approach through key concepts and reflective observations. In addition Susan Feez provides historical synopsis of the early Montessori pedagogy and theory. Most importantly the author reminds us of the pedagogical significance of play.
This book enriches our understanding of the complexity of child’s development and the true meaning of children’s play. Several case studies support the book’s message throughout.

Mrs Paivi Valtonen
Education , Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education
April 12, 2013

Useful background information regarding the history and life of Montessori. Reflection points and case study of particular use in the classroom. Short, succinct paragraphs make the book easily accessible.

Mrs Claire Pescott
Dept of Care & Continuing Education, Ystrad Mynach College
March 20, 2013

This is a very good book for undergraduates. Also very practical which is exactly what I was looking for.

Dr Judith Butler
Social & General Studies Department, Cork Institute of Technology
March 5, 2013

Excellent book, easy to read and understand. Good insight into Montessori teachings

Mrs Susan Gregory
Health Social Care, Neath Port Talbot College
November 19, 2012

Excellent accessible text which details the Montessori approach in an easy to read format. All the main facets are covered and provides a detailed insight into how this approach works in practice.

Miss Caroline Lewis
Education, Swansea Metropolitan University
August 18, 2011

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter One

Chapter Two


For instructors

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ISBN: 9781446244111

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