5 Montessori Books to Get Started

In parenting right now, there is a big push into Montessori parenting. When I first heard of Montessori, I was in my education program as it’s an approach to learning. When starting to add in Montessori aspects into your home and parenting style, it can be really overwhelming. However, there are 5 Montessori books that I used to help myself make the transition and educate myself!

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What is Montessori parenting?

First off, it’s important to define what Montessori parenting is. When parenting with Montessori principles in mind, there is a focus on hands-on learning, freedom to explore the world, and respecting the toddler through the learning and emotions they experience.

Montessori parenting can get messy and difficult. But it also promotes independence for your little one and builds a love of learning. When you see the results of Montessori in every day practice, there is a sense of joy you get. There are so many resources out there to help you begin the process of adding in Montessori within your home.

1. The Montessori Baby

This was the first Montessori book that I read. It provides the how and why behind Montessori and practical ways to have Montessori stations within your home from birth to 1 year. I used a lot of the ideas from this book to set up my home as my daughter was growing up. 

2. The Montessori Toddler

Think of this book as the sequel to the previous book – same idea, but for toddlers! Part of me also enjoys that they are a series of Montessori books, so they complement each other really well.

3. Montessori at Home

Montessori at Home is a great overview book that takes the information in Montessori Baby and Montessori Toddler, and condenses it down into a smaller book. It also provides about 10-15 activities for each age group (up to 1, 1-2, 2-3, and 3-6) for you to implement within your house.

4. The Montessori Toddler Activity Book

I received this book as a Christmas gift and it has been such a lifesaver when coming up with activities for my daughter. On each page, it has an activity, the materials needed, steps for prep and modeling, and the recommended age for the activity as well. The activities are divided into different sections to focus on a specific skills or topic, such as outdoors or art. There is over 50 activities within that span the age range of 1 to 3.

5. The Whole-Brain Child

While this book isn’t necessarily “Montessori,” it does provide a guide to helping understand how the child’s brain develops and functions. With that, it helps you understand how Montessori methods help at various ages. I love that it also has short cartoons that demonstrate how to tackle difficult situations, such as meltdowns or disagreements. It has guides to help all the way through the teenage years, which has helped me become a better high school teacher! Bonus!

More Montessori Resources

If you’re interested in finding more resources or materials to begin implementing Montessori into your home or your classroom, I highly recommend For Small Hands and Montessori Services. Both companies are under the same umbrella. Feel free to check each of them out – there are more Montessori books available, along with materials to help implement Montessori skills.

About Montessori Parenting…

One thing to keep in mind with Montessori parenting is that you do not have to follow it 100%. You can always pick and choose the aspects that fit your lifestyle. Do I have a floor bed? Yes. Does my daughter watch Disney+ sometimes? Also yes. It’s about finding a balance that works for your family!

How do you feel about Montessori parenting? Have you read any other Montessori books you’d like to recommend? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!