The Teaching Montessori In The Home: The Pre-School Years is a Educational Materials Montessori material designed for children aged 3-6, crafted by Nienhuis Montessori to AMI standards.
This comprehensive guide by Elizabeth G. Hainstock empowers parents to implement authentic Montessori principles at home during the crucial pre-school years. Updated with contemporary insights, this paperback edition provides practical activities and guidance for fostering independence, concentration, and joyful learning in children aged 3-6 years.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”— Maria MontessoriEducation and Peace
“The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence.”
— Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
Teaching Montessori In The Home bridges the gap between professional Montessori environments and home settings, addressing parents' need to understand the scientific principles behind early childhood development. This guide recognizes that the 3-6 year period represents the child's most intense phase of absorbent mind, when they effortlessly absorb knowledge from their surroundings. Elizabeth G. Hainstock's book provides parents with the theoretical framework necessary to create prepared environments that match children's developmental needs. The pre-school years demand specific materials and activities that isolate concepts, allow repetition, and build from concrete to abstract understanding. This comprehensive resource equips parents to observe their children's sensitive periods and respond with appropriate activities that foster independence. By explaining the rationale behind Montessori practices, this guide enables parents to adapt principles authentically rather than simply copying activities.
Each order includes everything needed for proper presentation and long-term use.
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Begin with Chapter 1 on Montessori principles and child development theory
Read the practical life section and identify 3-5 activities suitable for your home
Study the chapter on preparing the environment and assess your current spaces
Review language and mathematics progressions, noting your child's current level
Every material is carefully selected for durability, safety, and authentic Montessori experience.
Sourced from sustainably managed European forests. Beechwood is chosen for its exceptional durability, smooth grain, and natural warmth that invites touch.
Natural, unbleached cotton in child-friendly colors. The fabric provides the right amount of friction for developing fingers while being gentle on sensitive skin.
Water-based, child-safe finish that meets the strictest European safety standards. Designed to withstand years of daily use without chipping or peeling.
Each material supports multiple areas of child development simultaneously.
Deepens comprehension of child development stages and Montessori philosophy for effective home implementation.
Provides concrete activities that support independence, order, and self-directed learning.
Guides creation of home spaces that encourage exploration and meaningful work.
Helps parents recognize and support sensitive periods for optimal learning opportunities.
Designed for child-sized hands
Professional tips from AMI-trained guides to maximize the educational value of this material.
“Reference specific page numbers when recommending activities to parents during conferences”
Create a lending library allowing families to borrow the book before purchasing their own copy
Host parent education nights focusing on one chapter, demonstrating referenced activities
Compile a companion handout listing locally available materials mentioned in the book
Everything you need to know about this material.
This book covers practical life activities (pouring, spooning, buttoning), sensorial exercises (color tablets, sound cylinders), language development (sandpaper letters, moveable alphabet), mathematics (number rods, golden beads), and cultural studies. Each activity includes step-by-step instructions, required materials lists, and guidance on presenting lessons to your child.
No, the book emphasizes creating Montessori learning experiences with everyday household items and DIY alternatives. While some specialized materials are discussed, Hainstock provides budget-friendly substitutions and instructions for making your own materials, making authentic Montessori education accessible for all families.
This guide focuses specifically on implementing classroom-tested Montessori activities at home rather than general parenting philosophy. It provides concrete, sequential lessons adapted for the home environment, detailed observation techniques, and practical solutions for common challenges parents face when teaching their children.
No prior Montessori experience is needed. The book begins with foundational principles and child development theory, then progresses to practical applications. Clear explanations of Montessori terminology, illustrated activity presentations, and troubleshooting sections make it accessible for beginners while remaining valuable for those with Montessori background.
The book recommends 2-3 hours of prepared activities daily, but emphasizes quality over quantity. Activities can be integrated into daily routines, and the guide shows how to create a prepared environment that encourages independent exploration throughout the day. The flexible approach accommodates various family schedules and lifestyles.
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