Chapter 12: Reading "The Montessori Method" Together - Chapter by Chapter

In this podcast series, we read The Montessori Method by Dr. Maria Montessori—chapter by chapter—using the original English translation commissioned while she was still alive.

When I was starting my own Montessori school, I turned directly to Dr. Montessori’s writings because they were available in the public domain and, quite frankly, free. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was reading the 1912 English translation by Anne E. George, created with Dr. Montessori’s knowledge and approval. Later, I learned that many Montessorians in the U.S. encountered her work through later translations—especially the 1967 version—which helped spark a massive resurgence of Montessori education in America.

Both versions matter.
But they are not the same.

In the original translation, Dr. Montessori’s full voice comes through—her scientific rigor, her philosophical depth, and her spiritual understanding of the child. Some of that texture feels softened or missing in later editions. As Montessori education has grown, I’ve also noticed that the method is sometimes diluted or reshaped in ways that feel far removed from what Dr. Montessori originally envisioned.

This podcast is an experiment—and an adventure.

Each episode features a chapter-by-chapter reading of The Montessori Method, along with reflections and annotations that connect Dr. Montessori’s words to modern classrooms, families, and educational realities. I pause to offer context, raise questions, and explore how her ideas still challenge and inspire us today.

This is not a lecture or a final word. It’s a conversation.

If you have thoughts to add, questions to ask, or if you think I’ve gotten something wrong, I invite you to reach out and message me. I’m on a journey too—learning, re-learning, and listening carefully to Dr. Montessori’s voice alongside you.

Whether you’re a Montessori guide, school leader, parent, or simply curious about the foundations of this work, you’re welcome here.

Let’s begin—chapter by chapter.