When a family chooses to send their child to a Montessori school, they are typically a family that cares deeply for education and believes in this special method of teaching and learning. This desire to engage in your child’s education is incredibly important and will contribute to their success and well-being. Parents who want to learn more about Montessori philosophy often ask us where to find the best resources. We have compiled a comprehensive list, including links for purchase to make ordering easier.

If you decide to order from Amazon, whether it be Montessori books or anything else, we hope you’ll consider supporting our school through Amazon Smile. To use, simply visit https://smile.amazon.com/ before searching or ordering (instead of using amazon.com or the mobile app). Just below the search bar, it will read “Supporting: Woodland Hill Montessori School” if you’ve signed up before. If this is your first time, simply hover over the text and you will be given an option to add or change a charity. Please let us know if you need any assistance, and thank you for supporting our school!

Books for Families Who Want to Learn About Montessori

  • View on Amazon

    by Angeline Stoll Lillard

    This book is the place to start. Dr. Angeline Stoll Lillard is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia and is the director of the school’s Early Development Laboratory. Her book is rooted firmly in research and scientific data, compelling readers to see the clear connections between Montessori’s hundred-year-old methods and current data on brain research and human development.

  • View on Amazon

    by Trevor Eissler

    Trevor Eissler is a Montessori parent and champion of Montessori education. This book does a fantastic job summarizing the benefits of this unique style of teaching and learning. What makes Montessori different? Find out with this book.

    Bonus: Check out Trevor Eissler’s incredible Montessori Madness! 321 FastDraw video here.

  • View on Amazon

    by Tim Seldin

    Do you already love the way Montessori works for your child at school, and wish you could bring some of the methods and ideas into your home? This helpful book details developmental milestones as well as gives a wide range of tips and activities. From screen time to tantrums, from creating a supportive home environment to nurturing independence, this book has it all.

  • View on Amazon

    by Simone Davies (first print run is sold out, you may preorder for a new run due the end of March, 2019)

    This relatively new title has received enthusiastic praise and managed to sell out of its first print run. Davies used her experience as a parent and Montessori educator to create this beautiful and supportive book for parents like you. She shares activity ideas, tips for setting up your home and parenting children of this age, how to work together with other caregivers, and how to prepare for the next developmental stage.

  • View on Amazon

    by Paula Polk Lillard

    Educator and parent Paula Polk Lillard wrote this comprehensive book for parents seeking more information about Montessori education in general. Her book covers the history of Dr. Montessori’s development of the theories, the philosophy and methods of the approach, the role of Montessori parents, specific examples of how we teach reading and writing (including descriptions of the materials), and why the Montessori method is important in our society today.

Original Texts Written by Dr. Montessori

*Please note that while Montessori’s books can sometimes be found on Amazon and other websites, the quality is not always as good. Some versions may be missing significant amounts of the original text. One reliable source for purchase is the NAMTA (North American Montessori Teachers Association); those links are provided below.

  • View on NAMTA

    by Dr. Maria Montessori

    In this brief text, Montessori described her observations regarding the physical and cognitive development in children. Children’s development phases (or planes, as she calls them) are the basis for everything we do in this educational approach.

  • View on NAMTA

    by Dr. Maria Montessori

    This book delves deeply into the roots of Montessori’s work. Focusing on the development and needs of children from birth to age six, she shares her ideas for a radical new way of approaching education. Her research findings are included, as well as insights that have inspired readers since it was first published in 1949.

  • View on NAMTA

    by Dr. Maria Montessori

    Montessori began her career as a physician, and was tasked with overseeing a group of children that had been institutionalized and deemed ‘uneducable’. She observed them carefully, noting that with a lack of toys or learning materials, the bored and curious children found ways to play with tiny crumbs they found on the floor. She began developing her now-famous materials for these children, and eventually they went on to outperform “normal” children on standardized tests. In this book she shares her scientific observations about children’s nature as well as what she believes is the best way to nurture them as individuals.

  • View on NAMTA

    by Dr. Maria Montessori

    This text focuses on Montessori’s methods for the elementary years (ages six through twelve). She describes how children of this age are developmentally very different from their primary counterparts, and emphasizes that their educational environment must reflect their needs. As elementary children find inspiration in their imaginations, the world and universe, and are fascinated with finding their own place among it all, so the curriculum must appeal to them.

Additional Books of Interest

  • View on Amazon

    by Richard Louv

    Many of us are aware of humans’ separation from the natural world. We are only just beginning to learn the consequences of our lack of connection. A combination of unsettling statistics, current research findings, and proposed solutions, Louv aims to encourage parents and teachers to implement outdoor education.

  • View on Amazon

    by Jane Nelson, Ed.D.

    Are you looking for a kinder, gentler, and more effective way to discipline your child? Nelson’s methods have been praised by teachers, parents, and many others for decades. She leads us to recognize that positive discipline isn’t about punishment, but about finding ways for adults and children to work together cooperatively and peacefully. It is possible to set boundaries and be firm with your child, while also maintaining a high level of respect.