Literature for Children and
General Guidelines for Choosing Children’s Books
As your child’s first teacher, you have the greatest influence on the development of your child’s interest in books and reading. When your child observes you reading, he or she absorbs a respect for literature and literacy. When you read aloud to your child, you share in the pleasure and joy that human communication brings. That joy stimulates interest in cultural literacy in addition to an appreciation of beauty. When choosing books for your children remember to first read the book yourself. Observe content, grammar, vocabulary, usage of language, and artistic presentation.
When choosing books for children under six years of age, Dr. Montessori recommended realistic stories. Toddler and Primary children are trying to understand their world and cannot differentiate between reality and fantasy. Non-violent stories about real people and real animals and their everyday activities will help children develop an understanding of the world. For this reason, we recommend not showing your child movies or videos at this age. Few of these are developmentally appropriate, regardless of the parental advisory ratings.
An understanding of the difference between fantasy and reality develops as the child moves into the elementary level. This is the time that myths, fairy-tales and fables are appropriate to introduce for the exploration of ethics and moral questions. The elementary child is interested in the world and universe and has an innate desire to learn about biology, botany and all the earth sciences as well as history and culture.
Suggested Reading for Parents:
(Many of these books are available in our school library)
Some books By Dr. Maria Montessori:
The Secret of Childhood
The Formation of Man
To Educate the Human Potential
The Child in the Family
Education and Peace
Writings about Maria Montessori and this Method of Education:
Montessori Play and Learn (ages 3-6)
Montessori Today by P. Lillard
Parent’s Guide to the Montessori Classroom (primary)
Introduction to the Primary Classroom
Introduction to the Elementary Classroom
Understanding the Human Being (0-3) by Dr. S. Montanaro
Parenting:
The Hurried Child by David Elkind
Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Kurcinka
Punished By Rewards by Alfie Kohn
Between Parent and Child by Haim Ginott
At Home with Montessori by Patricia Oriti
The World of the Child by Aline Wolf
Our Last Best Shot by Laura Sessions Stepp
Raising Cain, Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys by Dan Kindlon, Ph.D. & Michael Thompson, Ph.D.
Reviving Ophelia — Saving the Lives of Adolescent Girls by Mary Pipher, PHD
Ecology:
Earth in Mind by David Orr
The Great Work by Thomas Berry
The Universe is a green Dragon by Brian Swimme
Ecophobia by David Sobel
Sharing Nature with Children by James Cornell
Child Development:
Your Child’s Growing Mind by Jane Healy Ph.D.
In Their Own Way by Thomas Armstrong
The Hand by O. Wilson