Montessori from the Start

The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three

By: Paula Polk Lillard, Lynn Lillard Jessen

Narrated by: Randye Kaye

What can parents do to help their youngest children in their task of self-formation? How does the Montessori method of hands-on learning and self-discovery relate to the youngest infants? This authoritative and accessible book answers these and many other questions.

Based on Dr. Maria Montessori's instructions for raising infants, its comprehensive exploration of the first three years incorporates the furnishings and tools she created for the care and comfort of babies. From the design of the baby's bedroom to the child-sized kitchen table, from diet and food preparation to clothing and movement, the authors provide guidance for the establishment of a beautiful and serviceable environment for babies and very young children. They introduce concepts and tasks, taking into account childrens' "sensitive periods" for learning such skills as dressing themselves, food preparation, and toilet training. Brimming with anecdote and encouragement, and written in a clear, engaging style, Montessori from the Start is a practical and useful guide to raising calm, competent, and confident children.

©2003 Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Parents who embrace Montessori's approach will find this a marvelous guide to child rearing, and prospective teachers wishing to gain insights into the Montessori method will value it as a clear and concise introduction." ( Library Journal)

Good aside from some bias

I think this is great resource about Montessori but have to note that there are random statements that show the author can be jaded at times. References to “classical” art and music and statements about “proper” grammar show a strong penchant for classism and racial bias. This book doesn’t take into account that Montessori should be inclusive to all dialects, classes, and cultures. When the author mentions these; ignore it. Montessori was made for neurodiverse learners experiencing poverty. However in this book neurodiverse learners are ignored and not discussed. I hope the author does better but I also hope readers know that Montessori is more thoughtful about these things than the author. Still this is a very detailed helpful resource.

A+

Great read. Great foundation to aim for. A lot of parenting books are very soft. This sets the bar high with purpose and reason. Of course there will be times you fall short but you need something like to motivate you and have you aiming high!

Easy logical dialog

I really like how it was presented. Its divided into specific categories of development so easy to go back to and give it a listen once your child has outgrown the stage of development he or she is in.

A wealth of information and inspiration

The information in this book is invaluable. It is easy to follow and easy to listen to. The narrator is excellent and has a calming effect. I feel so empowered after this “read.”

Very informative, but...

I can honestly say that I learned quite a bit about the Montessori approach at home. However, it seems too unrealistic at times, not really considering the ups and downs of child rearing. The real life examples given picture the child and family's life as always joyful and peaceful. The tone is condescending most of the time and it even tells you that you are "a bad mother if", which is unrespectful and totally subjective. I found it to be a stressful read at times. I think a lot can be done to make this book purely informational with realistic expectations and guidelines. The narrator doesn't really help with this either. I couldn't find similar books for this age group though, so give it a try!