I’ve always been interested in the Montessori way of schooling, but never fully understood it. I have to admit that it’s something I’ve seen as something I’d do if I was rich, lived in a massive house and didn’t have to work. So when I was invited to the launch of the new Montessori book, Learning Together, I was really excited, not only to meet the people at the top of the Montessori network in the UK, but to actually get to understand more of it. Unfortunately, Aviya, at just a few weeks old, chose that as her first night to cry and fuss a lot, so I missed the speech, but it’s okay – I got to have interesting conversations, and came away with the Learning Together book.

Learning Together is not a ‘how to’ guide to parenting. It is not a step-by-step education manual. It is not a grow-your-own-genius book, and it doesn’t judge or preach, and it doesn’t make you feel like you’ve done things wrong (you might feel that you have, but the author doesn’t make you feel like you have, if that makes sense?)

Now, while I’ve never really understood Montessori, and might like a step-by-step, this is how to get started guide, I was firstly, quite surprised by some of the things in this book, and more importantly, surprised by how many of them we already do, without my even knowing they were Montessori. I found that really reassuring.

Learning Together has four chapters.

Chapter one deals with the potential of the child, and chapter two with unlocking the potential. Chapter three looks at the ‘Montessori way of life’ and examines some of the principles – like freedom to move and explore, engaging the child in the routines of living, managing time, and so on. Chapter four is about creating a Montessori inspired space.  This is really the only part of a Montessori life that makes me hesitate, because it will require some money. Still, the book does give you good ideas for how to incorporate elements into your child’s environment, and some of them are easily adaptable (like having a child-friendly cupboard space in the kitchen, and wonderful ideas for treasure or sensory baskets.) At Tots Treasure Trove, we understand the importance of creating an enriching environment for your little ones. Our Montessori-inspired furniture is designed to foster independence and exploration in early childhood.

I guess there’s an element of ‘take what works for you’ to Learning Together and that really appeals to me, especially since I’m not in a position to go out and redo my home!

The definite bonuses of this book include the fact that it’s clear and concise. It provides easy reading, and explains the concepts behind Montessori in very simple ways.

You can purchase Learning Together from the Montessori shop for £6.99 or if you buy 10 or more, they’re £3.99.

Competition

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29 Comments

Learning Together – What Montessori Can Offer Your Family (Review & Competition)

  1. I know nothing about Montessori, but already have a cupboard in the kitchen for my daughter! 🙂 Would love to find out more.
    (Using Rafflecopter is very easy, thank you!)

  2. Would love to learn more about Montessori, so I can teach my children in this style. This seems to work in America and I would love this chance for it to work for me.

  3. MY SON HAS JUST STARTED ATTENDING A MONTESSORI NURSERY AND I CHOSE IT AS THEY STOOD OUT WAY ABOVE THE REST WITH THEIR APPROACH TO HELPING NURTURE CHILDREN.

  4. I have a 4 year old and a 1 year old, I just started looking into Montessori at home, but don’t know where to start. this sounds like a great place to start.

  5. I know nothing about it and would love to find out. I have a son who is just learning the art of parenting and it would be great to help him along as well.

  6. I have never come across Montessori in the workplace, but I know of many practitioners who use many of their methods.

  7. Sounds like a good book. I’ve always been interested in the Montessori approach but, like you, assumed it was for the rich. I’d love to read more about the concepts behind it and incorporate elements for my son.

  8. There is a monessori nursery where I live which I would like to send my daughter to. My sister in law sent my nephew to a montessori nursery and thought it was very good.

  9. I home-ed my daughter and have just started looking into Montessori as she needs hands on activities and another parent suggested it may work for us.

  10. This sounds very intresting and would love to learn more about Montessori and the way it could help my children 🙂 xx

  11. My younger sister went to a Montessori school, she had a fantastic time, Montessori has since fascinated me, would love to be a Montessori teacher one day

  12. I enjoy educational toys at home. The children always seem so interested in them. When there are other toys they quickly wonder off and do something else.

    Montessori toys are great for this! I am glad that there is a book to help understand how toys can nurture your childs development.

  13. I am a new teacher in a Montessori setting. Anything I can read will help me on my journey toward becoming a successful Montessori teacher. Thanks for the opportunity.

  14. We are just beginning to look into Montessori for my 2 year old as she does best with this type of learning!

  15. I have been practicing Montessori at home with my LO since she was about 3 months. I love it! The organization and child-led approach really work for us.

  16. This looks very interesting but I know very little about it, still when you stop learning you stop living!

  17. The Montessori way of learning has always felt right for us, and we are looking forward to learning more together as a family as our children develop!

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