Inclusive Classroom - by Ginger Kelley McKenzie & Victoria S Zascavage & Vanessa M Rigaud (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

This book presents research-based practices that bring together two powerful pedagogies, Montessori Education and Special Education for the 3- to 6-year-old child in a Montessori school.

Review Quotes

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.

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.

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.

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.

About the Author

Ginger Kelley McKenzie, EdD, is professor emeritus, Montessori Institute, Xavier University, a past member the Board of Directors of the American Montessori Society (2010-2016, and the former executive director at Amarillo Montessori Academy, Amarillo, Texas, where she also taught 3-6, 6-9, 9-12. Ginger has 39 journal publications and 56 professional presentations in the United States, Taiwan, South Korea, and Canada.
Victoria S. Zascavage, PhD, is associate professor and director of special education programs in the School of Education, Xavier University. With a focus on issues of transition, equity, and educational best practices for students, she has published in journals such as International Journal of Special Education, Teacher Education Quarterly, the Middle School Journal, Higher Education Research and Development, and the International Journal of Humanities and Social Science.
Vanessa M. Rigaud, EdD, is an assistant professor at the Montessori Institute, Xavier University, in Cincinnati, OH, and a former teacher and administrator in both public and private Montessori schools. She holds Montessori credentials in Early Childhood and Elementary I-II.
Crystal Dahlmeier, MEd., is a Montessori consultant, teaches at two Montessori teacher training centers, and holds a Montessori credential in Early Childhood. She has taught in Montessori classrooms in the United States, U.K., Australia, and South Korea for over 40 years. She has presented at conferences both nationally and internationally.
My Le N. Vo, MEd, is the principal and middle school teacher at the Montessori Learning Institute and executive director and instructor at the Montessori Teacher Education Institute, Houston, Texas. She holds a Montessori credential in Early Childhood and Elementary. She is the author of various educational materials and teacher training manuals.