Basic Ideas of Montessori's Educational Theory: Extracts form Maria Montessori's Writings and Teachings. This book provides a lively analysis of Maria Montessori's educational theory and methodology and discusses her views on the important problems of education in the family and in the preschool and elementary environments. In addition, it discusses religious education and its relationship to the child's natural development. It also includes a valuable and succinct biography of Maria Montessori, extracts from a wide range of published writings, and a bibliography.