“It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it.”
– Maria Montessori
For those of us lucky enough to work with children, we have work to do to get ourselves ready for this amazing responsibility.
A lot goes into this self-transformation: humility, love, sympathy, patience, self-discipline, etc.
Also: knowledge.
I can help you on that one!
Here is a list of books to help you build up your understanding of the Montessori method. Pick one and go from there!
These are affiliate links, which in no way affects how much I love and recommend these books. For more information, see here.
Foundational Books on the Montessori Method
The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori
The Discovery of the Child by Maria Montessori
The Secret of Childhood by Maria Montessori
Easier to Read Books That Help Us Understand and Implement The Montessori Method
Montessori: A Modern Approach: the Classic Introduction to Montessori for Parents and Teachers by Paula Polk Lillard
Montessori Today: A Comprehensive Approach to Education from Birth to Adulthood by Paula Polk Lillard
Additional Books by Maria Montessori
The Montessori Method by Maria Montessori
The Child in the Family by Maria Montessori
The Child in the Church by Maria Montessori and E.M. Standing
The Mass Explained to Children by Maria Montessori
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti
Listening to God With Children: The Montessori Method Applied to the Catechesis of Children by Gianna Gobbi and Rebekah Rojcewicz
The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey by Patricia Coulter and Gianna Gobbi