The Absorbent Mind: A Classic in Education and Child Development for Educators and Parents

by Maria Montessori

Book Overview

In response to the crisis in American education, more than five thousand public and private schools across the nation have adopted the timeless Montessori Method of teaching, of which this book is the cornerstone. Written by the women whose name is synonymous worldwide with child development theory, The Absorbent Mind takes its title from the phrase that the inspired Italian doctor coined to characterize the child's most crucial developmental...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805041567
• ISBN13: 9780805041569
• Release Date: October 1995
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Must Read for Every Parent

This book is a must read for every parent, especially parents of newborns. The world would be a better place if every parent raised their children according to the Montessori philosophy. "The Absorbent Mind" is a wealth of information regarding early childhood development. Maria Montessori was way ahead of her time.

The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori

This is an excellent book, I would recommend every parent, teacher or guardian to purchase a copy.... it's a real eye opener!

Montessori is a way of life, much more than just the materials

The Absorbent Mind isn't easy reading, the translation from Italian to English compromises the flow, however, the content is as precious as diamonds. I read it 3 times before I became comfortable with the writing style. The messages in the book are valuable. I'm happy to see that The Absorbent Mind and other Montessori literature are starting to appear on recommended reading lists 'outside the Montessori circle', it is relevant to ALL. As for the reviewer who bought the Montessori school and changed the name... There is so much more to Montessori than the wonderful materials, without the right staff, those materials will be misused. I am yet to see another educational philosophy that is as relevant, as respectful and holistic as Montessori.

this book will change the way you see children

This is Montessori's last book, and the most in-depth discussion of her theory based on decades of scientific observation of children. It discusses the special mind of the child, and how nurturing the special potentialities that only children have is the only way to change (and save) humanity. Montessori's theories are particularly interesting today in light of recent neurological discoveries, especially those related to critical periods and language. This is a very dense book, and requires a good deal of concentration and time to read. I would recommmend The Child in the Family as the first book for one wanting an overview of Montessori ideas.

a guide for my life

I first read The Absorbant Mind" in 1969, It changed the way I raised my children, how I valued their "work" of being children, and how I now work with the mentally ill. I find myself often reviewing the concept that all people really do the best they can, and that using her respect of others, and her method,of going from concrete to abstract concepts is a useful baseline. Dr. Montessori never wasted words in this book, I had to concentrate on each sentance, or I'd miss something. I thank my sister, a Montessori teacher, for introducing it to me, she is Joanna Taylor, who taught for 3o years in SLC.