Resources

Right Brain Roots resources

Ideas and tools for joyful learning.

A growing collection of ideas, activities, and connections for children, families, educators, and community partners.

Creative prompts and playful ways to keep curiosity growing at home and in the community.

Arts-based, inquiry-driven ideas that make room for connection, exploration, and every learner.

Ways to connect children and families with meaningful learning experiences across our community.

Holistic education, creativity, and learning through relationships

Title and author	Why it fits
The Importance of Being Little: What Preschoolers Really Need from Grownups — Erika Christakis	Explores why young children need rich conversation, play, exploration, and meaningful relationships. Especially relevant to preschool education.
The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Experience in Transformation — edited by Carolyn Edwards, Lella Gandini, and George Forman	A substantial educator-focused book connecting art, inquiry, relationships, and the many ways children express their thinking. An excellent companion to Montessori reading.
Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius — Angeline Stoll Lillard	The strongest match for your interest in the relationship between Montessori principles and developmental research. More detailed than a practical parenting guide.
The Montessori Toddler — Simone Davies	A practical introduction to encouraging curiosity, independence, and everyday learning at home with toddlers.
The Absorbent Mind — Maria Montessori	A foundational account of Montessori’s thinking about the first six years of life. Best read as a classic educational text alongside contemporary research.

Child development, connection, and problem solving

Title and author	Why it fits
The Whole-Brain Child — Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson	An approachable parenting guide to emotional development, connection, and helping children handle difficult feelings. Uses simplified brain explanations.
Raising Human Beings: Creating a Collaborative Partnership with Your Child — Ross W. Greene	My strongest recommendation for solving problems with children: understanding their concerns, building cooperation, and developing empathy and independence.

Art, music, and neuroscience

Title and author	Why it fits
Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us — Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross	My first choice for the connection between the arts, neuroscience, learning, and well-being. Accessible and wide-ranging.
The Musical Child: Using the Power of Music to Raise Children Who Are Happy, Healthy, and Whole — Joan Koenig	Particularly relevant to young children: explores music, social connection, creativity, and development, with practical activities.
This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession — Daniel J. Levitin	A deeper introduction to how the brain experiences music, including its connections with memory and emotion. Broader than childhood education.