The Secret Of Childhood - The Montessori Series
The Secret Of Childhood, in three parts: early development, the method itself, and the child's relation to society. The Montessori Series, 216 pages, soft cover, 2018 edition. Its central claim about adults is the uncomfortable one: that the adult should be determined to learn from children rather than press their own ideas onto them, and that the work is observing, helping and presenting rather than teaching. Paper and cardstock.
“The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence.”
The Secret of Childhood reveals Maria Montessori's discovery that children possess an 'absorbent mind' - a unique mental power that enables them to effortlessly acquire knowledge from their environment.
- Understanding the concept and function of the absorbent mind in early childhood
- Recognition of sensitive periods and their impact on learning
- Appreciation for children's inner drive toward independence and self-construction
- Knowledge of the prepared environment's role in child development
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This Volume 22 text documents Montessori's observations of children's spontaneous concentration, repetition of activities, and inner drive toward independence. The book illuminates how young children between birth and six years construct themselves through interaction with their prepared environment. Reading The Secret of Childhood equips adults with understanding of sensitive periods - those fleeting windows when children are primed to acquire specific skills with ease and joy. This paperback edition presents Montessori's evidence that children are not empty vessels to be filled, but active constructors of their own intelligence. The text challenges traditional views of childhood by revealing children's natural tendencies toward order, precision, and purposeful movement. Through studying The Secret of Childhood, readers discover why children repeat activities, seek independence, and display intense concentration when engaged in developmentally appropriate work.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Create a quiet reading space with notebook and pen. Plan 30-45 minute reading sessions to fully absorb concepts.
- 1
Read one chapter focusing on a single concept
Take notes on observations that resonate with your experience of children - 2
Reflect on the chapter's main ideas before continuing
Connect Montessori's observations to specific children you know - 3
Practice observing a child for 10 minutes after each chapter
Look for examples of concepts like concentration or repetition - 4
Discuss insights with other readers or educators
Join online forums or local study groups for deeper understanding
Every Child Is a Little Creator
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