Books
The Tao of Montessori by Catherine McTamaney. Inspirational thoughts about the Montessori approach.
Montessori: A Modern Approach by Paula Polk Lillard. Great introduction to the Montessori method. Good for anyone -- educator, childcare professional, and especially parents -- seeking answers to the questions: What is the Montessori method? Are its revolutionary ideas about early childhood education relevant to today's world?
Taking Charge--Caring Discipline that Works at Home and School by Joanne Nordling. We use this book for parent education classes.
The Absorbent Mind by Dr. Maria Montessori. One of Dr. Montessori's most well known works. Dr. Montessori discusses her observation of young children and how they learn.
Podcasts
Dr. Adele Diamond- The Science of Attention
What Adele Diamond is learning about the brain challenges basic assumptions in modern education. Her work is scientifically illustrating the educational power of things like play, sports, music, memorization, and reflection. What nourishes the human spirit, the whole person, it turns out, also hones our minds.
Dr. Steven Hughes - The modern Educational System & the impact of Montessori in Classrooms
Steven Hughes talks with Krys Boyd on NPR's Think about how classrooms would look different if schools incorporate what neuroscientists have learned about how young brains grow and learn. (48:37)
VIDEO
KEN ROBINSON: HOW TO ESCAPE EDUCATION'S DEATH VALLEY.
Sir Ken Robinson outlines 3 principles crucial for the human mind to flourish — and how current education culture works against them. In a funny, stirring talk he tells us how to get out of the educational "death valley" we now face, and how to nurture our youngest generations with a climate of possibility. (19:29)
DR. ADELE DIAMOND: WHY MONTESSORI WORKS
Diamond, a developmental cognitive neuroscientist, discusses the anatomy of the brain and how it relates to learning. (1:08:47)
WEBSITES
DR. STEVEN HUGHES – PEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Hughes is a pediatric neuropsychologist. His work involves evaluating educational programs, studying developmental education, and talking to groups around the world about topics of interest to parents and educators. He’s a serious advocate of the Montessori method. Be prepared to become convinced. You will find various articles and video lectures on his website.
Montessori Madmen
This site created by “an impatient, ragtag group of dads and advocates from around the world, united by a common zeal to bring the Montessori method to millions more.” It is a useful (and entertaining) place for learning about the Montessori approach. They have a very comprehensive list of resources.
For more information see: Association Montessori Internationale, American Montessori Society, and North American Montessori Teachers Association.