The Montessori Way, Revised and Expanded: An Education for Life; A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Teachers

by Tim Seldin, Paul Epstein, Robin Howe

Overview

Discover the transformative power of Montessori education in this comprehensive guide from the Montessori Foundation.

Over twenty years after the first edition laid the groundwork for twenty—first—century Montessori education, this revised and expanded edition of The Montessori Way incorporates the latest research and practical applications, culminating in an all—encompassing modern guide to understanding and implementing the Montessori method in various settings. An essential reference for both educators and parents, it starts with a strong emphasis on the core principles of Montessori, such as child—centered learning, independence, and hands—on experiences.

Offering expert advice drawn from decades of experience in Montessori education, this revised edition includes:

• Comprehensive Coverage: From the history of Montessori education to its modern—day applications, the book offers an in—depth look at this unique approach.
• Practical Guidance: Learn how to set up a Montessori—friendly environment at home or in the classroom, complete with tips on materials, activities, and routines.
• Developmental Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of how Montessori supports different stages of child development, including cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
• Real—Life Examples: Discover success stories and case studies that illustrate the positive impact of Montessori education on children.

New to this edition:

• The latest research on executive function and self—regulation, brain—based learning, as well as equity and access
• Expanded content, with new chapters and expanded sections on the Montessori approach for infants and toddlers, key components of a Montessori classroom, and how to determine if Montessori is the right path for your child
• Enhanced visuals, including new illustrations and diagrams
• Online resources to support hands—on learning

Whether you are a Montessori teacher in training, an educator seeking enrichment, or an interested parent, The Montessori Way, Revised and Expanded is an indispensable resource, providing practical tools and insights to help children thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment.

With its updated content and expanded scope, this book is the ultimate guide for fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780760392775
Publisher:	Quarry Books
Publication date:	06/24/2025
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Tim Seldin is the President of The Montessori Foundation and Chair of The International Montessori Council. His more than forty years of experience in Montessori education includes twenty—two years as Headmaster of the Barrie School in Silver Spring, Maryland, which he attended through high school graduation. He served as the Director of the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies and as Headmaster and currently as executive director of the New Gate School in Sarasota, Florida.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Riane Eisler
Introduction

PART ONE
Philosophy and Influence
Chapter 1
Montessori: The Common Principles
Chapter 2
Montessori’s Influence on Education

PART TWO
History of the Montessori Movement
Chapter 3
Dr. Maria Montessori
Chapter 4
The San Lorenzo Discoveries
Chapter 5
Expansion of the Movement

PART THREE
Key Components of the Montessori Approach
Chapter 6
Montessori’s Core Values and Principles
Chapter 7
The Planes of Development
Chapter 8
The Prepared Environment: Curriculum and
Materials 

PART FOUR
Practice and Implementation
Chapter 9
A Typical Montessori Day
Chapter 10
Key Components of a Montessori Classroom
Chapter 11
Infant—Toddler Programs
Chapter 12
Early Childhood Communities
Chapter 13
The Elementary Level
Chapter 14
Middle and High Schools

PART FIVE
Beyond the Classroom
Chapter 15
Montessori at Home
Chapter 16
Parents Working in Partnership with Schools
Chapter 17
Montessori for Learners with Exceptionalities

PART SIX
Pulling It All Together
Chapter 18
Reflections on Montessori
Chapter 19
Deciding on Montessori

Concluding Thoughts
Selected Bibliography
Appendix: Current Research in Support of Montessori and Brain Development
References
Acknowledgments
About the

Editorial Reviews

"I enjoyed this clear and concise guide to the Montessori approach. It includes a super interesting history of Montessori and Dr Montessori’s work in San Lorenzo and then goes on to explain how Montessori looks and feels in the classroom at each stage of development. There are also chapters on how Montessori can be applied in the home and with neurodivergent and special needs children. There’s a little bit for everyone in this book and would be helpful for families wanting to learn more about whether Montessori school is right for their child."

—Simone Davies, Montessori author and educator

"If you as a parent or teacher are concerned that education is not working well for today’s children and youth, be reassured. The Montessori Way, Revised and Expanded, shows us how education not only can but does work brilliantly in thousands of caring, beautifully designed learning environments around the world. The book is amazingly reader—friendly, providing an insightful explanation of Dr. Montessori’s core principles in the context of contemporary learning theories. Descriptions of early childhood, elementary, and secondary environments demonstrate the enduring power of child and adolescent centered learning communities. And the photos are fantastic!"

—Ann Epstein, Ph.D., Professor of Early Childhood Education, University of Wisconsin—LaCrosse

"I'm thrilled to see this enhanced edition of The Montessori Way. Tim's profound understanding of Montessori education, combined with his gift for clear, engaging communication, makes complex principles accessible to everyone. This book, much like Tim's presentations, masterfully bridges theory and practice, offering readers deep insights into the transformative power of Montessori education. Drawing from his decades of experience and wisdom, Tim continues to illuminate the path for educators and parents alike, showing us how Montessori's vision remains more relevant than ever in today's rapidly changing world."

—Lucie Tamášová, Founder of the ChildhoodPotential.club and MontessoriParenting.org platforms

"This new and updated edition of the The Montessori Way provides readers with an insightful and comprehensive overview of this groundbreaking educational approach. In helping educators, school leaders, and parents understand the underlying principles and practices that inform what Maria Montessori called a 'prepared environment' of learning Tim Seldin, Paul Epstein, and Robin Howe have succeeded in revealing how this unique model of self—directed learning is radically different and more transformative than most currently employed educational programs."

—Jonathan Wolff, Montessori consultant, coach, teacher educator, and author. President, Learning for Life

"The Montessori Way is the perfect practical guide for parents, caregivers, and anyone eager to begin or enhance their Montessori journey. With its clear, easy—to—read format, filled with helpful examples and images, it offers invaluable insights into Montessori education from birth to adolescence and beyond. The collective knowledge and expertise within these pages make it an unmatched resource for anyone wanting to understand and implement Montessori principles in daily life."

—Sylvia Arotin, Child Development & Behavior Expert | Founder & Director, My Montessori School

"The Montessori Way, Revised and Expanded, continues the leadership role of the 1st edition in balancing Montessori’s philosophic insights as to the nature of the child and Montessori’s expansive curriculum.  The authors have deepened and broadened their offering in this edition with over 19 chapters tightly organized into 6 parts which brings cohesion to the examination of Montessori education.  The accompanying graphics are both captivating and illustrative of the ideas and concepts developed on each of the 224 pages! Check—out the Integrated Curriculum graphic on page 55 for an example of a complex concept comprehensible with an illustration.  Wow!
 
"The Montessori Way serves the Montessori teacher/guide, parent, and broad education community by covering all imaginable educational topics with depth and clarity illustrated in stunning photographs highlighting engagement of children in their relationship to their own learning and in partnership with their teacher or other children. 
 
"Essential for Montessori teacher training programs and schools, and the broader community The Montessori Way, Revised and Expanded, promises to be our go—to Montessori encyclopedia – with graphics!"

—Dr. Pamela Rigg, Program Director, MTEC San Francisco Bay Area, Head of School, Montessori Elementary & Middle School of Tracy, CA

"Are Montessori schools still relevant for today’s children? Who was Maria Montessori? What are Montessori schools like, and, should I choose one for my family? These are common questions that Seldin, Howe and Epstein address in this clearly written, easy—to—access book of ambitious scope for the curious parent."

—Paula Lillard Preschlack, author of The Montessori Potential: How to Foster Independence, Respect, and Joy in Every Child

"In this revised and expanded edition of The Montessori Way, Tim Seldin continues to share the heart and wisdom of Montessori education with clarity and compassion. This book is both inspiring and practical—a true gift for parents and educators alike.”

—Carine Robin, Montessori Coach and Founder of The Montessori Family subscription box

“The Montessori Way, Revised and Expanded is an invaluable resource that masterfully combines foundational Montessori principles with fresh insights and contemporary research. This comprehensive guide is a must—read for educators, parents, and advocates alike, offering practical wisdom that empowers readers to foster independence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning in children.”

—Gavin McCormack, Co—Founder, Upschool | Montessori Australia Ambassador

“The Montessori Way: Revised and Expanded is a life experience in the deepest and most profound way.  We are so fortunate in the Montessori world for the collaborations that the authors contributed to give us such a masterful new view of our work.”

—Kathy Minardi, Executive Director, Whole School Leadership Institute

From the Publisher