Posted in 52 Books in 52 Weeks 2009

I am now officially halfway done my quest to read at least 52 books this year.  I know that I am way behind on blogging about all of them.  However, this book needs to be returned to the library ASAP, so I figured I would do it now and get it over with.

This is a wonderful, incredible book by Tim Seldin, who is president of the Montessori Foundation.  It is a gentle introduction to the Montessori method and what it's all about, but it's also more than that: it's the first parenting book I could ever fully agree with.  I love reading quotes like, "Each [baby] is a full and complete human being who is present in the room with us", "Children have so much to teach us about their needs and interests if we will only take the time to pay attention", and "We don't train children to use the toilet, we support them when they are ready."

There are lots of activities, and one could easily use the suggestions in this book to create a home preschool or kindergarten program.  Suggestions are laid out very simply and avoid the use of expensive Montessori materials.  Throughout the book are gorgeous photographs of children and their parents interacting, learning, growing, and enjoying life.  I highly recommend this book for anyone who has young children or is interested in Montessori and just wants a quick introduction.