2nd Edition

Understanding the Montessori Approach Early Years Education in Practice

By Barbara Isaacs, Barbara Isaacs Copyright 2018
    156 Pages 6 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    156 Pages 6 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Understanding the Montessori Approach is a much-needed source of information for those wishing to extend and consolidate their understanding of the Montessori Approach and how it is used in the teaching and learning of young children. The book will enable the reader to analyse the essential elements of this Approach to early childhood and and its relationship to quality early years practice.

    This second edition has been fully updated to reflect changes in the Early Years Foundation Stage and includes a fresh examination of the relationship between technology and the Montessori approach, as well as a brand new chapter, Learning in Montessori Settings. Exploring all areas of the curriculum including the organisation of Montessori schools, the environment, learning and teaching and the outcomes for children, this book:

    • examines the historical context of the Montessori approach and its relevance to modern-day education;
    • explores Montessori's views of child development and the role of the learning environment in a child’s educational development;
    • details the organisation of Montessori schools worldwide and the structure of a typical day in a Montessori setting;
    • highlights the principles of Montessori pedagogy, including the tools and strategies employed by its practitioners;
    • considers how and what children learn in a Montessori setting and the links with EYFS 2017;
    • includes new benefits and challenges of the Montessori approach to children's lives.

    Understanding the Montessori Approach provides an accessible overview of this major pedagogical influence on early years practice, supported by case studies, examples, summaries and reflective practice questions. This new edition not only highlights the core ideas that practitioners should consider when reviewing and reflecting on their own practice, but accomodates revisions to educational curriculum and policy in order to serve as an invaluable resource for students and practitioners alike.

    Introduction  1. Historical context  2. Montessori’s Views of Child Development  3. Organisation of Montessori schools  4. Principles of Montessori Pedagogy  5. Learning in Montessori Settings  6. The Favourable Environment  7. Benefits and Challenges of the Montessori Approach to Children’s lives and communities of today  Appendix 1. Montessori education for 12– 18 year olds  Appendix 2. Glossary of terms  Appendix 3. Key Montessori texts  Appendix 4. Leading UK and international Montessori organisations  Bibliography  Index

    Biography

    Barbara Isaacs is Chief education Officer, Montessori St. Nicholas Charity / Montessori Centre International.

    Mary Whalley, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK

    The book is very comprehensive and will introduce those with little or no knowledge of Montessori philosophy very effectively to the approach, whilst also providing a refreshing recap and reference for those who already know a little or more. As with the book introducing Danish Forest School philosophy, this book outlines the Montessori approach in excellent detail – setting its historical context very clearly and – rightly – promoting its global significance right up to the present time. I very much enjoyed reading this and learned a lot from it!

    Angela Nurse, formerly Canterbury Christ Church, UK

    This is a thorough introduction to Montessori and her methods which has been well-received by students and practitioners alike. The author is very knowledgeable and experienced with a worldwide reputation. It is easily accessible to students and offers plenty of opportunities for thought and discussion, as well as providing materials to further their studies, including Montessori’s own publications.

    Lesley Newman, Children’s Centre Head, UK

    I consider the existing edition of ‘Understanding the Montessori Approach’ Early Years Education in practice provides a clear description of the Montessori approach to Early Years education. It sets the approach in context referring to the historical beginnings of this approach by charting the career of Maria Montessori. The book is well written and clearly organised to enable the reader to pick out significant areas for their own development as well as being a useful reference book for managers, students and other professionals in the field of Early Years.