The Inclusive Classroom: Creating a Cherished Experience through Montessori demonstrates the
effectiveness of a dynamic pedagogy whose curriculum and facility for differentiated instruction puts the child at the center while encouraging engagement, connection-making and concept mastery according to the child’s needs. All early childhood practitioners can benefit from the conscious links of Montessori curricula and methodology to the NAEYC standards and the Universal Learning Design framework in this clearly written guide to meeting the needs of young learners in an inclusive early childhood classroom community. The reference to specific curriculum lessons enhanced by case study examples makes this a suitable handbook for teacher education students as well as new and experienced early childhood practitioners.

Gay C. Ward, PhD, professor emerita of literacy, child development and Montessori studies, University of Wisconsin-River Falls

The authors offer their reader a bridge connecting the Montessori pedagogy with best practices in inclusive early childhood education. Each chapter highlights key areas of the Montessori curriculum, demonstrating how to modify lessons to increase accessibility for all children. Educators will recognize Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and alignment with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards as complementary to the Montessori philosophy - offering a foundational approach to creating equitable early learning experiences for all children.

Susan Zoll, PhD, American Montessori Society, Research Committee, Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education, Rhode Island College

The Inclusive Classroom: Creating a Cherished Experience Through Montessori provides insight into the direct link between Montessori, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and meeting the needs of all learners, including those with disabilities. It supports teachers with clear lessons, examples, and suggested adaptations to foster an environment that promotes the philosophy of Maria Montessori through a contemporary lens that adheres to the National Association for the Education of Young Children standards.

Catherine Lawless Frank, EdD, assistant professor, special education, School of Education and Health Sciences: Teacher Education, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio

Research has shown that Montessori teachers feel positively about inclusion but may not be confident in their knowledge on how best to implement it. While Montessori teacher preparation provides a strong foundation, this book is a much needed, practical guide that integrates Montessori practices with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) which brings the field back to Maria Montessori’s roots in serving children with special needs.

Angela Murray, PhD, assistant research professor, University of Kansas; director of the KU Center for Montessori Research, and Senior Researcher for the American Montessori Society

The book entitled,The Inclusive Classroom: Creating a Cherished Experience through Montessori, beautifully embraces the gift of a Montessori education while updating the curriculum to address the issues that impact the modern classroom. Each chapter examines a different component of a Montessori education while addressing the current curricular standards which guide our collective practice and acknowledges the needs of all learners. Humbly, the authors attend to the essence of a Montessori education while offering suggestions to meet the needs of diverse learners while respecting the child’s learning and opportunity for growth.

Kathleen G. Winterman, director, School of Education, College of Professional Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio