Susan Mayclin Stephenson Books

The word "Montessori" is used today to describe schools that sometimes have little to do with authentic Montessori practices. In this book the author, who has almost fifty years of AMI Montessori teaching and consulting experience, briefly presents authentic Montessori practices for ages 3-6 (the primary class), ages 6-12 (the elementary class), and ages 12-18. There are details for preparing the Montessori learning environment and for using these ideas in the home. This is not by any means a Montessori course but a valuable introduction to real Montessori and an inspiration for learning more. "Stephenson’s volume is a wonderful resource for parents seeking thoughtful, sound advice on raising well-grounded children in a chaotic world. Presenting Montessori principles in clear and eloquent prose, Stephenson’s legacy will be a tremendous service to generations of parents to come."—Angeline Lillard, PhD, Professor of Psychology, U. of Virginia, author of "Montessori, The Science behind the Genius"

This is not just a book about teaching chess but about sharing our daily lives with our children, gracefully, practically, enjoyably, and successfully. For over 100 year the Montessori method of optimum growth and happiness has been used with infants, school children, gifted, ADHD, and blind children, and even adults with dementia. This book presents the teaching of chess with information that can be used for teaching many things to children and adults. Since 1963 the author has been exploring cultures of the world, and, with degrees in philosophy and education and three Montessori diplomas, teaching children and adults.

Drawing on over 50 years of Montessori experience across 30 countries, the author explores the integration of mindfulness into education and parenting. She shares her personal journey with meditation and offers practical advice for parents and teachers to cultivate mindfulness in themselves and their children. The book also features a chapter by Dr. Angeline Lillard, highlighting Montessori's unique approach to mindfulness practices in education. This work emphasizes the importance of mindfulness for health and happiness in both Eastern and Western contexts.

In this book the author shares wisdom gained in almost fifty years of Montessori experience. It contains a compilation of stories from the author's own teaching experience, and information shared as a Montessori school consultant, guest lecturer on teacher-training courses, and at conferences and workshops in such places as New Zealand, Thailand, Morocco, Mongolia, Peru, Colombia, Albania, and the USA. Although the majority of the information is intended for the Montessori teacher of children from 2.5 to six years, there is also information of value to those working with infants, older children, and adults, and a detailed glossary of Montessori terms. The words "Cosmic Education" refer to the Montessori practice of introducing the whole world-science, arts, history, and geography-to young children through age-appropriate practical life lessons, sensorial experiences, experiments, and language. With this preparation at an early and impressionable age, children learn to love the world in all its aspects, and as they grow up will have the tools to make sense of the world and the cosmos and to find a place in it as valuable contributing members.