Montessori Information for Homeschoolers

An increasing number of parents are choosing to homeschool their children and want information on integrating Montessori philosophy and methods into their home educational program. Here is a list of resources that may prove valuable to these homeschooling parents. Most of these titles are available from NAMTA.

• The Child in the Family by Maria Montessori discusses basic Montessori principles in a family context.
• Montessori Today by Paula Polk Lillard presents Maria Montessori's theories on learning at each developmental stage.
• The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori is an analysis of physical and psychological growth during the first three years of life.
• The Secret of Childhood by Maria Montessori is a thorough introduction to the development of the child from birth to age 3.
• To Educate the Human Potential by Maria Montessori introduces Montessori principles for ages 6 and up.
• Montessori Read and Write: A Parents' Guide to Literacy for Children, by Lynne Lawrence, offers 160 pages of age-specific language games and activities for parents and children to practice at home.
• Michael Olaf’s Essential Montessori is an accessible introduction to Montessori philosophy and practice as well as a catalog of educational materials, offered for either birth to three (The Joyful Child) or 3 to 12 (Child of the World).
• NAMTA Publications for parents: Booklets, slides, and videos that introduce Montessori education from a parent’s point of view.
• See our complete Recommended Reading list on Montessori education.

Note: Montessori education can only be truly implemented by a trained Montessori teacher in a fully equipped Montessori "prepared environment." However, Montessori philosophy and practices have much to offer parents, whether their children attend a Montessori school or not.