Montessori and Mindfulness

By Susan Mayclin Stephenson

Book Overview

"Montessori and Mindfulness" by Susan Mayclin Stephenson with Angeline Stoll Lillard is not a book of theory, but one that shares a path to healthy and happy human development that is based on years of careful observation. It draws on Angeline's work as a professor of psychology, director of the Early Development Laboratory at the University of Virginia, and the book "Montessori, the Science Behind the Genius." Susan's writing is based on fifty-plus years of Montessori work in thirty countries: teaching children and young adults ages 2-18, consulting with schools and governments, lecturing at universities and conferences, and working as an oral examiner for AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) teacher training courses.

The practice of mindfulness (focusing attention on the present moment with openness and curiosity, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future) is important for all ages and can provide relief for the chronic fight-or-fight mental state so common today. It has been the focus in authentic Montessori practice since 1907, when the first "casa dei bambini" (house of children) was opened in Rome by Maria Montessori MD.

Creating a supportive physical, mental, emotional environment, carefully observing the child's response, adapting to the needs of the individual, comes first. There is a natural tendency toward long periods of deep concentration when the activities presented to young children are appropriate to the stage of development, and such concentration or mindfulness leads to calm, joy, creativity, intelligence, and a natural impulse toward empathy and compassion for others. With support from the early days and years of life, an individual can develop skills of mindfulness that can contribute to health and happiness throughout life.

Both authors speak from personal experience of many years of mindfulness meditation practice and the positive results. They both understand the importance of some type of a daily mindfulness practice as adults, and the relationship between this and authentic Montessori practice.

The 2026 edition includes a chapter explaining how these two colleagues worked together to plan their presentations at the International AMI Montessori Congress in Prague, Czech Republic in 2017, which was the inspiration for this book. "Montessori and Mindfulness" has been used by many parents and professionals who value, or are searching for, an education that is not based on learning academic facts, but on creating one that values curiosity, passion for learning, and where deep concentration is protected; a way of living and learning where the dignity and contribution of each unique individual is respected, where cooperation rather than competition, and the joy that comes from helping others, are experienced daily. Imagine a world of adult who grew up like this.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1879264196
• ISBN13: 9781879264199
• Release Date: November 2017
• Publisher: Michael Olaf Montessori Company
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.0"