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By: Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen
Book Summary:
‘Montessori from the Start’ focuses on the practical aspects application of Montessori for the child ages 0-3. It is well written and easily understood for a parent who is familiar with the Montessori Method. The book answers a lot of question on how to use the Montessori Method for very young children and how to apply Montessori at home. It successfully explains the Montessori philosophy theories and applies it to practical solutions. It gives advice on how to set up a Montessori environment from what equipment to buy and use. It gives advise how one can encourage the child to reach his full potential as a human being. The first pages of the book illustrates the time line of the two most important aspects of development children, fine and gross motor development and what Montessori materials are best to be given to encourage this development. This is a helpful guideline, quick reference for any parent. Being a mother was transformed from largely custodial, albeit loving, care into a stimulating, productive discovery of a new being in formation and how I might aid that process. I was engaged in an intellectual and scientific task of the most immense proportions and significance.
(Taken from the Preface of ‘Montessori from the Start”)
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4 responses so far ↓
1 Gemma // Feb 8, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I have a 2 year old and have read this book 3 times already! It gives very easy ideas that you can put into practice at home, from when they are new born to 3. It has made my life easier understanding the stages and needs that my child is going through and has enriched the time spent with my daughter, even now that we are approaching the terrible twos!
2 Brandi // Apr 22, 2008 at 2:37 am
This book os also great. I have read it over and over and high lighted specific lines for easy reference. It talks about how the environment sould be and how to raise an efficent child to be independent.
3 ellie // May 4, 2008 at 10:03 pm
i will “homeschool” my child, a toddler andwant to know gym activities for him.
if you have art ideas as well that would be helpful.
4 Emma - DM MODERATOR // May 19, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Art activities that Montessori believes in give more freedom for expression and thus I would recommend using paints and various sizes of brushes, block crayons - for easy grip of the toddler, large chalk, and colored pencils. Offer this to the child in an open shelf and a child sized table and chair nearby.
For outdoor/gym activities, nature walks are good where you have an opportunity to name objects that are encountered. Going to the playground on a regular basis is also good as it beneficial for gross motor exercises. Having ball games, where the child can learn to throw and catch a ball is also great activity. Walking on a balance beam or even walking on a line drawn on the ground is also an excellent way for the child to learn balance. Action songs are also beneficial as they encourage various movements such as jumping and stretching out. Bikes are also great!
These are just some of the activities that you can do at home and we will research some more on ways that you can enhance gross motor development for your child.
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