The ABCs of Montessori and Special Needs

Maria Montessori began her journey in education working with children in an asylum and others who lived in the city slums.  Her method and materials were first developed based on observations of children she worked with in these settings.

So often parents and teachers wonder if Montessori is right for children with special needs.  After nine years of experience using the Montessori Method with my own four special children with various developmental, emotional and physical diagnoses, I'm here to say YES!  It's a perfect fit.

The key to success is understanding how the Montessori and special needs worlds work together.  Maria Montessori was years ahead of her time in her observations and solutions to problems educators face when teaching children with special needs.  Her work is only beginning to receive the recognition it deserves.  

My book, The ABCs of Montessori and Special Needs provides explanations, resources, and tips on how Montessori can help a child with special needs succeed in learning.

This post contains affiliate links.

This book is divided into 26 sections, one for each letter of the alphabet.  Sections cover topics such as, but not limited to: behaviors, developmental age, fine motor skills, proprioceptive stimuli in the classroom, stimming, and writing.  Each section is divided into three main parts.

• The Special Needs World
• In the Montessori Classroom
• Tips for Montessori Teachers

It's my hope that the layout, resources and tips in this book will lend itself to providing assistance to multiple audiences, including:

• Montessori teachers who lack education and experience working with children who have special needs.
• Special educators who want to learn more about Montessori and apply it in the classroom.
• Parents of children with special needs who have chosen to implement the Montessori Method at home or school.
• Parents of children in Montessori education who have just learned their child has special needs.
• Parents who are searching for the right educational fit for their child with special needs and are interested in learning more about Montessori.

My experience with Montessori is purely one of trial and error while homeschooling, combined with research, interviews, and observations.  I am not Montessori certified.  However, for the purpose of this book, to ensure it's 100% accurate, I have created a panel of certified Montessori teachers of whom I asked endless questions.

This book is designed for parents of children with all types of special needs.  Between our four children we have the following diagnoses:

• ADHD
• Autism
• Anxiety Disorder
• PTSD
• Reactive Attachment Disorder
• Mood Disorder
• Mild Cranial Facial Microsomia
• Special Dietary Needs

I've tried my best to address any and all issues one might encounter in the Montessori classroom based on all we've experienced.

If you're interested in learning how to combine the worlds of Montessori and special needs, this book is exactly what you need.  Purchase your copy today!

If you'd like to read and excerpt from the book first, before deciding if it's right for you, be sure to visit the blog post: The ABCs of Behavioral Analysis in the Montessori Classroom.

If you'd like to know what others are saying about the book, read the comments below.

"...I live in India. Just to give you some background about my education and work experience in the field on special education - I have done my bachelor's in special education and then worked as a special educator at The Gateway School of Mumbai for 3 years. This year, I decided to join a Montessori and explore different work spaces and work formats. Since I heard about the opportunity of joining a Montessori as a special educator I was very confused as to how would this work. And there was your book to my rescue - ABC'S of Montessori and Special Education. This book really helped me in understanding how things work in a Montessori and how relevant are they with children having special needs."

-Henal V.

"Thank you Renae for this wonderful book!It is a truly useful guide for every parent and teacher dealing with special needs."

-Anonymous

"Wondering whether applying Montessori practices in your home will support your neurodivergent child? Renae Eddy's treatise on children with differing needs being served well by Montessori homeschooling is a must for every parent seeking to optimize their child's education."

-Anonymous

You can also read a review of the book from Deb at Living Montessori Now by clicking HERE.

The book is currently available in ebook and paperback forms.

For those who prefer ebooks, click the "Add to Cart" button below.

EU Readers must ebook purchase book through TpT

For those who would like the paperback version of the book, the link below.

Purchase Paperback Copy Here!