Montessori: A Modern Approach [Paperback]

Paula Polk Lillard (Author), Maria M. Montessori (Foreword)

Book Description

Release date: October 30, 1988

Montessori: A Modern Approach has been called the single best book for anyone -- educator, childcare professional, and especially parent -- seeking answers to the questions: What is the Montessori method? Are its revolutionary ideas about early childhood education relevant to today's world? And most important, especially for today's dual-career couples. Is a Montessori education right for my child?

Paula Polk Lillard writes both as a trained educators and as a concerned parent -- she has many years as a public school teacher, but it was her enthusiasm for the education her own child experienced in a Montessori school that led her to become a leading voice in the Montessori movement in this country.

Her book offers the clearest and most concise statement of the Montessori method of child development and education available today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Lillard's account is the best to date. She has a sensitive understanding about how and why Montessori methods can work so superbly."

Chicago Tribune

"Provides an intelligent guide to the famous philosophy and method, and answers many questions parents and teachers may have."

Choice

From the Inside Flap

Montessori: A Modern Approach has been called the single best book for anyone -- educator, childcare professional, and especially parent -- seeking answers to the questions: What is the Montessori method? Are its revolutionary ideas about early childhood education relevant to today's world? And most important, especially for today's dual-career couples. Is a Montessori education right for my child?

Paula Polk Lillard writes both as a trained educators and as a concerned parent -- she has many years as a public school teacher, but it was her enthusiasm for the education her own child experienced in a Montessori school that led her to become a leading voice in the Montessori movement in this country.

Her book offers the clearest and most concise statement of the Montessori method of child development and education available today.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 174 pages
• Publisher: Schocken Books (October 30, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805209204
• ISBN-13: 978-0805209204
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,521 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #97 in Books > Education & Reference > Schools & Teaching > Education Theory > Administration

More About the Author

Paula Polk Lillard is the author of Montessori Today and Montessori in the Classroom. She is cofounder and director of the Forest Bluff School in Lake Bluff, Illinois.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good but difficult to read January 11, 2006

By mom MD

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is a great book, because it uses Montessori's own words to explain the basic concepts of Montessori, and it covers all of the basics. However I wouldn't recomend it to parents who first want to find out about Montessori, because the language is very complex and you get tired of so many ideas in so little space. First time readers of Montessori are better of with her other book, "Montessori Today".

This is an excellent book for people who will have patience and read it little by little to be able to "Swallow" and get every idea.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough and Objective January 1, 2011

By ChickPea

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I chose to purchase this book along with THE MONTESSORI METHOD, MONTESSORI'S OWN HANDBOOK, and MONTESSORI TODAY (by the same author). I was well pleased with Lillard's objective point of view and constant reference to Montessori's own words. I do not feel as though this author is simply trying to idolize someone who many Montessorians consider a heroine, but that she is simply trying to convey the value of a Montessori education in today's world. Another work of hers, MONTESSORI TODAY, is much more explicit when it comes to classroom set up and elaboration on elementary level information. A MODERN APPROACH builds upon information provided in THE MONTESSORI METHOD and "sets the stage" for MONTESSORI TODAY. I, personally, am most excited about reading MONTESSORI FROM THE START, as well. I feel that she is an excellent author and has contributed a considerate amount of knowledge to parents and educators alike in regards to this particular method. I have yet to find another to rival it.