Mighty Oaks Montessori School

Our Montessori Bookshelf: Autism Awareness

March 31, 2025

We are committed to building communities based on understanding, acceptance, and support. So, in honor of Autism Awareness Month, which is observed every April, we are sharing some of our favorite books with themes of understanding autism and appreciating neurodiversity. 


We hope that in exploring these books together, you and your children can help dispel myths and misconceptions about autism, foster a more inclusive society, and recognize the unique strengths that neurodiverse individuals can offer.


Ali's Gifts: A Family's Experience of Autism Spectrum Disorder

By Livvy Tune


Told from an older sister’s perspective, this story highlights the importance of a family focusing on how to understand a child’s experience of autism (rather than worrying about what other people think). The book provides a lovely journey from the initial upset of people asking, “What’s wrong with your brother?” to celebrating uniqueness.


Amazing Me: A Kids Guide to Understanding Autism

By McKenzie Schneider, Illustrated by Sydney Saathoff


This book can be a good resource for a younger elementary-age child who is just learning about what it means to be a person with autism. The clear descriptions and examples of what autism means for the main character, Alex (who can be seen as either a boy or girl, depending upon the reader’s perspective), can also serve as a helpful reference for if and when issues arise (e.g. making friends, sensory overwhelm, etc.) and also for celebrating strengths!


Autism and Me: An Empowering Guide with 35 Exercises, Quizzes, and Activities!

By Katie Cook


When older children are ready to learn more about autism (either as someone who has autism or as someone who wants to be supportive), this is a great go-to guide. Full of real-life examples, interactive activities, and easily digestible information, this is a must-have positive and empowering resource. The book is mostly text, with a few illustrations and decorative elements woven in.


The Boy with Big, Big Feelings

By Britney Winn Lee, Illustrated by Jacob Souva


Written in rhyme, this picture book shows how some children might feel things more intensely. A boy’s emotions are illustrated in colorful swaths coming out of him in different situations. Eventually, by connecting with a girl who also has big feelings, the boy feels more secure about expressing his emotions, which helps others, too. Although not specifically about autism, this story can be a way to explore sensory sensitivities and big reactions to seemingly small issues. 


He’s Not Naughty! A Children’s Guide to Autism

By Deborah Brownson, Illustrated by Ben Mason


This is a good resource for elementary-aged children who want to better understand autism. The pages are filled with text that feels handwritten and bold images that help make the point. Although the book feels like a stream of conscious sharing about autism, it actually starts with a table of contents, which can be helpful for referencing particular aspects of ASD (like making friends, smells, or routines). At first glance, the book feels overwhelming, but it can serve as a helpful reference for children with autism and their friends and family. 


The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

By Julia Finley Mosca, Illustrated by Daniel Rieley


Told in rhyming verses, this true story chronicles the life of a girl who was diagnosed with autism, struggled at school, but then who (thanks to supportive, understanding adults) went on to not only achieve incredible academic success but also to revolutionize how farms could be more compassionately designed for animals. The end of the book includes a note from Temple Grandin, tidbits and fun facts from the author’s interview with her, a well-designed timeline of Temple Grandin’s life, a thorough written overview of her life, and resources for further information. 


Masterpiece

By Alexandra Hoffman, Illustrated by Beatriz Mello


Samuel, the main character, is obsessed with blue and creates a picture with all the shades of blue for a class project. The gift of this book isn’t necessarily the storyline or illustrations, though. Rather it masterfully tells a simple story that normalizes being a person with autism. From arm flapping, to wearing headphones, to needing the teacher to quietly connect about expectations, Samuel’s uniqueness is just gently woven into what the reader experiences. 


My Brother Charlie

By Holly Robinson Pete and Ryan Elizabeth Pete, Illustrated by Shane W. Evans


This sweet, simple, and profound picture book is a must-have. The narrator tells her story and experience of her twin brother having autism. This true story is both instructive and heartwarming and includes a lovely explanation at the end about how to be supportive of those with autism.


Uniquely Wired: A Story about Autism and Its Gifts

By Julia Cook, Illustrated by Anita DuFalla


Although slightly visually busy, this picture book really conveys the experience of living with autism. A young boy shares his unique perspective on the world and gives easily digestible explanations for behaviors that can seem off-putting at times.


Wonderfully Wired Brains: An Introduction to the World of Neurodiversity

By Louise Gooding, Illustrated by Ruth Burrows


This is a super cool resource for children during their elementary years, as it answers all the questions about how our brains work and how brains can work in different ways! It’s easy to flip through and find fascinating facts or to use the table of contents to hone in on a particular form of neurodiversity. The book is rich in content but also very easily digestible, with small chunks of text and colorful graphics and illustrations.


We hope you enjoy these books as much as we have! Here is a printable copy of the list of books. We also would love to have you come to the school for a tour. Contact us to set up a visit!


Stages of Development Series: Maturity
March 24, 2025
Explore the final stage of human development (ages 18-24) through a Montessori lens—where independence, purpose, and meaningful societal contributions take shape.
Stages of Development Series: Adolescence
March 17, 2025
Explore the transformative adolescent years (ages 12-18) through a Montessori lens, fostering independence, social growth, and meaningful contributions to society.
Stages of Development Series: Childhood
March 10, 2025
Discover the key traits of childhood development (ages 6-12) and how Montessori education nurtures reasoning, independence, and social growth in this crucial stage.
Stages of Development Series: Infancy
March 3, 2025
Discover how Montessori education nurtures children's growth from birth to six years old, fostering independence, exploration, and language development.
Montessori and Real-World Learning: The Value of Micro-Economies in Adolescent Programs
January 27, 2025
Explore how Montessori adolescent programs foster independence, responsibility, and empathy through micro-economies, preparing students for adulthood.
Why do Montessori Classrooms Have Long, Uninterrupted Work Periods?
January 20, 2025
Explore the benefits of Montessori's uninterrupted work periods, fostering focus, deep learning, intrinsic motivation, and lifelong skills in children.
Montessori Explained: Handwashing as a Learning Activity
January 13, 2025
Learn why Montessori hand-washing stations foster fine motor skills, sequencing, and self-construction, supporting children’s love for purposeful work.
Supporting Children's Social Lives
January 6, 2025
Support your child’s social growth by listening, encouraging problem-solving, and fostering resilience while avoiding over-involvement in their challenges.
Two young montessori childrens are working together.
October 2, 2024
In today’s dynamic educational landscape, parents constantly seek innovative approaches that foster their children’s holistic development and lifelong learning skills. Montessori education stands out as a beacon of progressive and effective pedagogy. Rooted in the principles of self-directed learning, hands-on exploration, and individualized instruction, Montessori education offers a myriad of benefits that pave the way for a brighter future. Let’s delve deeper into the transformative power of Montessori education and why it’s a choice worth considering for your child’s educational journey. 1. Nurturing Independence and Self-Confidence Montessori classrooms are meticulously designed to empower children to take charge of their learning journey. Children are encouraged to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace through a carefully curated environment filled with age-appropriate materials. This fosters a sense of independence and self-reliance from an early age, laying a sturdy foundation for future success. As children master new skills through hands-on activities, they develop a deep sense of accomplishment, boosting their self-confidence and fueling their intrinsic motivation to learn. 2. Individualized Instruction Tailored to Each Child One of the hallmark features of Montessori education is its commitment to individualized instruction. Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all approaches, Montessori educators recognize and celebrate the unique strengths, interests, and learning styles of each child. By observing and understanding the developmental needs of every student, teachers are able to provide personalized guidance and support, ensuring that every child reaches their full potential. This personalized approach not only maximizes academic growth but also cultivates a deep love for learning that lasts a lifetime. 3. Fostering a Lifelong Love for Learning At the heart of Montessori education lies a profound belief in the innate curiosity and natural thirst for knowledge present in every child. By creating an environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and critical thinking, Montessori classrooms ignite a passion for learning that transcends the boundaries of the classroom. Whether it’s through engaging hands-on activities, collaborative projects, or self-directed inquiry, children develop a lifelong love for learning that extends far beyond their academic years, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. 4. Embracing Diversity and Global Citizenship Montessori education emphasizes the importance of cultivating respect, empathy, and understanding for others, fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity. Through exposure to multicultural materials, celebrations, and experiences, children learn to appreciate and embrace differences, laying the groundwork for becoming compassionate global citizens. By promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity from a young age, Montessori education instills values of tolerance and acceptance, preparing children to navigate an increasingly interconnected world with empathy and open-mindedness. Conclusion  In essence, Montessori education offers a holistic approach to learning that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of every child. By fostering independence, individuality, and a love for learning, Montessori classrooms empower children to reach their full potential and become active contributors to society. As parents, educators, and advocates, let us embrace the transformative power of Montessori education and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.
A montessori infant is sitting on a bed.
September 30, 2024
Beginning the toilet training process can seem daunting but if done at the right time in a gentle and collaborative way the process can be less challenging then one may think. Here are some guidleines and suggestions for successfully supporting your child with using the toilet indpendently. Sensitive Period for Toilet Learning: 15 – 30 months: The child will show interest and typically signs of physical and emotional readiness, participate willingly, and transition naturally to using the toilet successfully. After the Sensitive Period has passed, toilet learning is more challenging for the child. Readiness: As your child approaches age three, you may be bombarded with advice and expectations about toileting from everyone around you- family, friends, neighbors, and others. However, toilet learning can become a long and frustrating process if you try to start before your child is ready. One of the most crucial aspects of success is timing, so it is essential to understand the physical and emotional signs that your child is ready to begin. Preparing yourself, the rest of the family, and the child’s environment will also help to ensure a successful transition. Preparing the Environment: Physical Make the bathroom the area where you change diapers and offer the child to sit on the potty. Dispose of solid waste in the toilet and flush, helping the child make a strong connection between elimination, the toilet, and the flushing sound. Potty Training books for kids to look at and hear. Floor potty or cushy potty seat (to alleviate the fear of “falling in.”) Training pants, lots……….no diapers or pull-ups that may confuse. The feeling of getting “wet” is a natural consequence and will help the child toilet learn more successfully. Clothing that the child can easily “pull down” and “pull up” themselves (sweatpants, leggings, no zippers, buttons, buckles, etc.). Preparing the Environment: Psychological Engage in matter-of-fact conversations about the body, body parts, and elimination. Teach proper names, even though you and your child may prefer to use more familiar names daily. Tell toileting stories about older siblings, cousins, or even parents (“Everyone older used to wear a diaper, but now they all wear underwear.” – this may be a revelation!) Encourage by forecasting the future. (“When you start using the toilet, you won’t need diapers anymore, can wear soft underpants with paw patrol on them, won’t have to wait to be changed by an adult,” etc. ) It is important to try when there are no unforeseen changes to routine, such as travel, moving, a new baby, visitors, or illness. SIGNS OF PHYSICAL READINESS: Has mastered basic motor skills, such as walking, undressing, and talking. Has bowel movements around the same time each day. They are aware they have urinated or had a bowel movement. Has control of bladder and bowel muscles: indications of this are if the child has a dry diaper after napping and a dry diaper after 2 hours. ****MOST CHILDREN ARE PHYSICALLY READY BEFORE THEY ARE EMOTIONALLY READY. **** SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL READINESS: Tells you that they need a diaper change. Is interested in others using the toilet. Is receptive to trying to sit on a potty chair or toilet. Talks about wearing “big boy/big girl underpants.” Consistency is key. Once you have determined that your child is ready to begin toilet learning, consistency is crucial for their success. Having underwear on one day an d a diaper the next is confusing and can set back the toilet learning process. Use towels, plastic bags, and double training pants to secure leaks, messes, etc. It is common and normal for accidents to occur. When a child does soil themselves, be very calm and matter-of-fact with your responses. “Oh, you are wet; let’s go to the bathroom to change and get dry.” “It is ok; you are still learning.” ESTABLISH PRACTICAL EXPECTATIONS AND ROUTINES “In our house, we always sit on the potty… …When we wake up.” ...After breakfast.” …before getting in the car.” …when we get home from school.” …Before bath/bedtime.” USE YOUR VILLAGE FOR SUPPORT:  As a parent, you can get emotionally involved with this process. During this time, you must be supported by your spouse, partner, grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, etc. Prepare everyone around you for the experience and enlist other adults in the environment to support the process; stress and frustration on the adults’ part will impede the child’s success.
Show More
Share by: