Maria Montessori: The woman and the method -- Introduction of the method into the United States: 1912 - 1958 -- Criticisms of the Method: Answers to some common criticism -- Adaptability of the Method: Special education -- Culturally disadvantaged -- Behavior modifications -- Public schools -- In the home -- Federally funded programs -- The relevance of Montessori today and in the future -- Montessori's views of her work: The first children's house -- Sources of inspiration -- Adult and the child -- Discovery of the child: The absorbent mind -- Normalization -- Observations of the child -- The child and work -- The sensitive periods -- Independence -- Obedience -- Liberty, freedom and order -- Movement and activity -- Method -- The prepared environment: The children's house -- The teacher -- The materials and the lessons -- Practical applications of the theory: Sensory education -- Language -- Writing and reading -- Arithmetic -- Imagination and fantasy -- Art and music -- Physical education and nature -- On education and schools -- Appendixes: Familiar Montessori terms -- Classroom materials -- A comparison of Montessori and traditional pre-school education -- Choosing a Montessori school for your child -- The evolution of the Montessori community -- Montessori Informational Sources --Organizations -- Other sources -- Materials -- Montessori Teacher Education Programs -- Research and the six-year study -- Selected bibliography -- Some highlights in the life of Maria Montessori.