The Absorbent Mind
You can view this book's Amazon detail page here.
Tags: child development, Montessori
- Started reading:
- 15th December 2008
- Finished reading:
- 13th March 2009
Review
Rating: 9
The first half of this book dragged for me. It focused on psychology and development of the embryo and infant, and I suspect many of the ideas involved would not be considered outdated. It gives the background, however, for how Montessori thinks about childhood and education.
The second half of this book is very good. Montessori’s respect for the importance of the work of childhood shines through, and her optimism for the society of man which grows out of her experience with children is beautiful and inspiring. The final chapter was by far my favorite, and I am keeping a copy for inspiration when homeschooling gets rough.
This is by no means a “how to do Montessori” guide, it is heavily philosophical and abstract. It does give the background for why Montessori set up her schools the way she did, however, and I have found it a good place to start understanding why children respond so well to her methods.
Everyone should read the last chapter of this book, if you have any interest in schooling or child development (or world peace!), you should read the second half, and if you enjoy psychology, you will probably enjoy the first half.
