Book Review: “How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way”
How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way
I am a firm believer in unschooling (with a side of homeschooling) but if I had to send my daughters to a school, it would either be a Montessori or a Waldorf inspired school.
Brielle is now 4.5 and questions about my schooling plans are starting to pop up more frequently from friends, family and complete strangers (oddly enough).
The time is drawing near that I need to solidify the unschooling plans and file the proper paperwork with my state to stay in “compliance”. I am also starting to think about ways to facilitate learning without a formal curriculum.
The first book I bought on alternative education(of what I am sure will be many books in the next few years) was How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way.
This book is a fantastic primer on the Montessori method in general but more importantly it gives easy to follow ideas to incorporate in your own home. It is an extremely easy read (it took me one night) because it is essentially a highly illustrated guide.
I already incorporate some of the ideas in my home even before reading the book, such as using toy shelves instead of toyboxes and velcro shoes instead of shoes with laces (both of which encourage early independence). I like organization and I enjoy/need the kids to do things for themselves so many of the Montessori basics come naturally to me.
What is new (and exciting) for me are the specific learning tools they use in the classroom that can easily be used at home as well. Many are easy to make if I don’t want to buy them and I am thinking of making a few for Christmas presents for the girls this year.
Sandpaper Letters
The purpose of the letters according to Montessoriworld.com is
“To learn the sound and shape of the letters of the alphabet. To gain a muscular memory of the shape of the letters as a prelude to writing.”
Another idea that can easily be made at home is a reusable placesetting placemat with an outline of the plate, glass and silverware in its respective place to help teach your child how to set a table. Brielle loves to set the table with placemats and cloth napkins and she would just love placemats like this to help her with the silverware placement (which she sort of throws on as an afterthought right now) 
.
One last idea that I just loved (and there are many, many more) is the use of a peace table. The peace table is a specific location designed to sort out fights or differences of opinions. The table consists of a child sized table, two chairs and an object that represents peace.
The procedure, according to the book, is
“the child who feels especially wronged places one hand on the table and the other hand on her heart, indicating that she speaks the truth , from the heart. She then looks at the other child, speaks her name and explains how she feels about what has occurred and how she would like the disagreement to be settled.”
Obviously this is more than just a peaceful and fair way to settle disagreements but it teaches both parties how to assertively state their case and stick up for themselves as well as a proactive way to settle their disputes on their own. This is a lesson that they can carry with them throughout life and all their future relationships.
There are so many ideas in this book that I cannot begin to list them all. Although they originated in the Montessori classroom they are easy to add to your own life whether or not you are interested in the Montessori method. You only need to be interested in raising organized, courteous, respectful, polite children while fostering their natural ability to learn.
How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way is available on Amazon.com.
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
There is an uber expensive Montessori school 2 blocks from our condo. I think it costs $10,000 per child. Yeah – that’s per year…
Homeschooling isn’t a bad idea. But I would never have the patience for it. You’re a saint!
November 25th, 2009 at 7:24 am
Unschooling is not the way to save you child from the hustle and bustle of competitive world, best thing is to create a strategy for them with such books and then let them blossom in their way, so that they can be enough strong from within by tomorrow.
November 28th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
children should be given the wholistic education, where they can learn each and every aspects of life not only from book but also practically, which is very important.
November 30th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Childrens need the wholistic education, only the education of books is not essential, besides this they should be given the real time education which includes the practical life and things associated with moral.
November 30th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Children are the nature’s best creation, they are innocent and full of joy and love, they just need the education of real life, children now a days are not much famaliar with things that happens in life and only reason is lack of practical education.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:05 am
It’s all very well the benefits of home schooling but don’t you ever think your child will miss out from the friends and life experiences she will get at a mainstream school?
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:48 am
I am sure I can make sure that she has both friends and life experiences outside of a mainstream schooling situation.
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:52 am
I can’t believe how expensive some Montessori schools are, especially in urban areas. That is why I haven’t sent her yet ($$$). Sigh. I don’t consider myself a saint, I just can’t stomach the though of sending my little ones to mainstream schools.
December 4th, 2009 at 11:35 am
The Montessori Way is a lovely, clear, and fully illustrated overview of Montessori education from infant-toddler programs through the secondary level.If you are a parent, teacher, or university educator looking to gain a clear understanding of the Montessori approach.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I understand the motivation behind avoiding some traditional schooling methods, however, there has to be a balance. A close friend of mine runs a Montessori school in North Carolina: http://www.wakeforestmontessori.com and I honestly think that there are quite a few problems with the Montessori philosophy, primarily when it comes to discipline.
December 18th, 2009 at 6:55 am
Education plays an important role in children life…
Now we have to avoid the traditional schooling methods to shape up the children….
January 3rd, 2010 at 6:32 pm
One of the most important thing that a parent should have to think about for their children is their education. Education has a big role in our life especially in our kids and for that reason we must have to give the best education as much as we can to them such as sending them to a Montessori schools. We are rest assured that Montessori school gives a high quality educational training for our kids.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
I am a firm believer in homeschooling and has been doing so for my 2 kids. The Montessori way teaches parents and teachers to respect a child’s individual differences, and to emphasize social interaction and their whole personalities instead of just teaching knowledge as it is. In a homeschool environment, this is pretty much inherent and am part of a daily education.
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January 15th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I never used a book. I simply took what I see others doing and from that I knew what worked and what didn’t.
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February 11th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Montessori is an excellent school. but its not very known in my country. Which places them lower than they should be considered
February 14th, 2010 at 10:09 am
The idea is not bad, but people can do it not disconecting child from society. Just take your children to public schools that thay can get to know real World.
February 14th, 2010 at 11:27 am
I am undecided about home schooling. On a personal level I had a great time at primary school and made my two best friends there, but when I got to high school it was another story. I really didn’t enjoy it.
However whether home schooling or in school Montessori is certainly something I would like to learn more about.
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February 15th, 2010 at 5:27 am
There are pro’s and con’s to home-schooling. On the upside the child gets greater attention and as a result a better quality of education. But at the same time they miss the socialization and interaction with other children along with no strive against any kind of competition due to having no other to compete against.
So while the level of intelligence may end up in the long run being higher given the person teaching ( in this case the mum) keeps up with it, they may result in lacking in social skills.
Where you gain with one, you lose in another.
A great post and great discussion.
Thanks.
February 25th, 2010 at 6:09 am
Thanks to author! I have 2 children, it is important for me
February 26th, 2010 at 6:57 am
Education is in the mindset of every parent and being a working Mom, I am always on look out for aids which will better my kids education. I plan to buy this book definetly.
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:47 am
I don’t really find it odd when complete strangers ask me about my schooling plans, especially if those strangers happen to have toddlers as well. Most of the time they are just looking for more information so that they get to know about their options for their kids
March 2nd, 2010 at 1:49 pm
I am so happy that this book is available as it is one of the few Montessori books that has so many lovely photos. This book is for anyone interested in Montessori and has many easy and basic suggesions for setting up your home to be child friendly. Even if you do not intend to take your child to a Montessori school, you will be able to use this book at home for years and years. It has great birthday party suggestions which I have never seen in a Montessori book before. It is filled with great ideas.
March 15th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
One of the most fundamental things that any parent should have to think about for their children is their education, education and education. Education has a big role in our life especially in our kids and for that reason we must have to give the best education as much as we can to them such as sending them to a Montessori schools. We are rest assured that Montessori school gives a high quality educational training for our kids.
March 18th, 2010 at 3:40 am
This is one of the issues that is key for any parents… what type of school or education system you need / can / afford send your kids. The Montessori way is interesting. For sure it deserves more attention. Will you consider sending Bianca to type of School? how common are they in the US?
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March 20th, 2010 at 6:38 am
To create A Montessori School Atmosphere At Home Adapted for easy use with children at home and based on the key ideas that create confident, independent children in Montessori schools, this inspiring book shows parents how to deal with childrens physical and intellectual growth from birth to six years. Personal Review: How To Raise An Amazing Child the Montessori Way by Tim Seldin Tim Seldin is a parent and a Montessori school alumnus, as well as the President of the Montessori Foundation, and he turns his experience and knowledge into useful tips for parents. In this book, you will find an introduction to Maria Montessori and her work, an overview of the “sensitive periods” for learning different concepts, and concrete suggestions for activities to do with your children. The color photographs of children and their parents are lovely to look at and provide useful
April 8th, 2010 at 8:42 am
Until reading this I wasn’t very familiar with the Montessori way. I guess I would try it out if I had the money, unfortunately in todays economic times things are a little tight. I was public schooled but the changes made to the system have really brought down my respect. I am currently homeschooling my children, so far so good. Thanks for sharing!
May 2nd, 2010 at 9:39 am
1 of the most significant facts that any parent should have running through their minds for their children is 1) education, 2)education and 3)education. Education has a massive effect in our life especially in our children & for that reason we must provide the best of education and as much as we can to them such as sending them to a Montessori schools. We are rest assured that Montessori school gives a high quality educational training for our kids.
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May 13th, 2010 at 3:57 am
I think that a child does need to be brought up this way, and learn things the good old traditional way before heading out to school. And this book is amazing! you gotta read it!
May 18th, 2010 at 5:15 am
I can’t quite decide whether I agree on your opinions about home schooling. I would like to do this myself but am concerned about my kids lack of contact with other kids on a daily basis and how this would affect them later in life in the workplace.
May 24th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Home Schooling is also nice since you got to always see your kids.,:,
May 27th, 2010 at 11:17 am
I like your idea of making sandpaper letters. But do you think its safe to use pine grain sandpaper? It might be a tad bit harsh on my lil one’s fingers…or am I just being over-protective?
June 8th, 2010 at 5:39 am
Homeschooling is an excellent idea, if you have the confidence that you will be able to do as well for your children as school would. Good luck to you.
June 22nd, 2010 at 7:16 am
As sad as it is to say, a child can’t be protected forever. There are lessons to be learned at school that can’t be learned elsewhere. Even things like dealing with bullying are a learning experience that will be needed later in life.
July 5th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
You have great post! It is helpful for us moms. I can recommend this to my friends and also share more about raising my kids.
July 9th, 2010 at 1:05 am
i was also home schooled when i was younger and it is also a great weay to get your education.~’,
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:40 pm
i was home schooled too but i would still prefer regular schools.,”"
July 26th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
This is a book I’m going to have to check out. I always believe nothing can be the hands on approach when it comes to teaching. We’ve integrated a fun and interactive approach to spelling, something that traditionally is learned by repetition.
July 26th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Montessori way of bringing up our children is a indeed a great method. They should be prepared of facing the real world with a strong foundation through education. However they should not be limited to that. They should somehow be prepared that the people surrounds them may not be always as good as how they will be treated in Montessori approach. Thus, exposing them to school at an early age will help them become wise in decision making and become better person. They will learn to deal with other children with different attitudes.
July 27th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
What your thought and concern about your child’s school is normal for mothers whose kids will be staring for school. We always wanted the best for our kids including education that will help them have a brighter future. Montessori Way is really one of the best. And I know you can find schools that would fit your needs for your child.
July 30th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
One of the reasons for children’s tantrums is their inability to clearly communicate what it is that they want. (Or identify it in themselves.) The earlier you can teach techniques like this where they can calmly express themselves the better.
One thing we did was teach our children sign language (basic) at an early age. Children can communicate via hand gestures before they can even speak with vocal chords. This eliminated the frustration of them not being able to tell us what they wanted, and resulted in less crying and tantrums!
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August 3rd, 2010 at 8:54 am
I think Montessori is just appropriate for kids reaching an age for primary. How ever I too am a proud parent of a daughter who is 4.5 years. People are questioning my judgment on educating her and it really getting on my nerves. Why can’t they mind their own business and let me deal with mine. I believe my daughter is bright and is able to pick things faster than most kids who have started preschool at 3 years of age.
August 12th, 2010 at 7:34 am
Education must take into account the needs, talents, gifts, and special individuality of each child. The children learn at their own pace, so they are not being constrained nor criticized for what they do. There is a total freedom to learn which makes learning fun.
August 13th, 2010 at 3:49 am
I found this book to be very helpful. It had good suggestions on how to bring some of the Montessori principles into your home. I especially liked the ideas about how to best organize your child’s bedroom and toys, as well as the ideas for fun activities and experiments to do together to learn more about how the world works.
August 13th, 2010 at 4:21 am
The Montessori way of teaching and developing kids still is one of the most creative and inspiring ways of bringing up your child.
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August 13th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
When the parent is also the teacher the child is not conflicted about his role models. The combination of time spent together, working through problems, and a copious amount of communication keeps the relationship fresh and real. The child is more secure and the parents are aware of the inner needs and struggles of their child.
August 16th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Our daughter began her education in the Montessori tradition. But our son did not. Both of them are in public school now and thriving. I can’t say that I see any significant difference in the way they learn (as in the structure they apply to learning). I will tell you that I am a strong believer in public school (where you have a chance to interact with people from all walks of life). I’m not sure it makes them tougher, but I do think it makes them more tolerant of others.
August 18th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
School provides an educational and social foundation for children, but teaching them “life skills” is absolutely necessary. This is where most schools have traditionally failed.
It’s great you’re teaching life skills in the home, which few children pick up in the classroom. Bravo to you. Keep up the good work!
August 20th, 2010 at 2:48 am
Homeschooling is nice, but I wouldn’t like to remove the children from contact with other children on a day to day basis, as it would definately not be good! In some cases homeschooling might be the only solution, but for the vast majority I would say it would do more harm than good
August 20th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
I never said I would be removing her from contact with other children on a day to day basis. Why on earth would I do that to her?
August 21st, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Sheryl: Sorry, it came out a little wrong on my behalf..I wasn’t indicating keeping children away from other children altogether
I was trying to pointing to the social benefits children have of learning together with other children in a school setting. Theres alot of benefits of homeschooling as the child may have easier focusing on subjects, than in a noisy classroom…
August 22nd, 2010 at 2:06 pm