Explore evolution by comparing the anatomy of different species as presented in the many books in this collection. In this book, full color photos create a visual dictionary of the key external anatomy of a starfish, a species of sea star (an echinoderm), including its central disk, arms, mouth, tubed feet, and tentacles. The left page of each 2-page spread has a photo showing the anatomical part (e.g., the tubed feet) in full color while the rest of the starfish is shown in muted shades of gray. The right page presents a clear definition of that part with the defined term (e.g., tubed feet) printed in red. This book is designed to meet the developmental needs of elementary-aged children. The title is in lower case so as not to discourage young readers. When you open the book, you arrive directly at the content; the copyright and ISBN information appear only on the outside back cover so it does not distract or discourage emerging readers. The outer corners are rounded to avoid tactile distractions. It is also sized for children's hands and the spiral binding is specifically used so that the books lay flat when open, allowing children to work with them freely. The external parts books inform and inspire children on a path of scientific discovery. Designed by an AMI Montessori Teacher with the support of a Zoologist and a team of teachers/teacher trainers, it is a standard material in Montessori classrooms.
Maitri Learning is a woman-owned, green business founded by Julia Volkman: a Montessori Mentor at an urban public Montessori School, a master's candidate in psychology at Harvard University, an Advisory Panel Member for the Annenberg Foundation's Neuroscience in the Classroom course (developed with Harvard University), a columnist for the Public School Montessorian, and the mother of a teenager and 6-year-old. Maitri's cards and books offer the diversity teachers and children crave without compromising on pedagogical or ecological design. Their materials use photos which isolate their subject, are sized for the child's hand, appeal to children, and are produced in an environmentally-sound way that avoids tactile distractions. All of their products are reviewed by subject matter experts (eg, zoologist, biologist) and a team of teachers, teacher trainers (AMI), consultants, and children to confirm their educational value.
All Maitri Learning products are created with careful attention to the needs of the child and the environment. They adhere to the highest pedagogical and ecological standards and as a result are one of only a handful of companies invited to exhibit at the teacher education conferences offered by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). They have also been honored to create the first AMI-approved Montessori language materials in Chinese (currently in use in the AMI teacher training program in mainland China). They are currently at work on a similar undertaking for the AMI teacher training program in Japan.
Maitri Learning's cards and books are used in Montessori teacher training centers, classrooms, and home schools around the world. Their materials are designed to help children form a deep, joyful, and intelligent connection with our world.
