Before our kids were born, I was introduced to the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori by a dear friend whose teenage children had been educated using the Montessori approach. I was invited to observe a classroom of young Montessori students and was truly inspired by the independence, practical life skills, and love of learning they demonstrated. I knew then that if my husband and I were blessed with children, I wanted them to be educated using the Montessori approach. If you’d like to learn how we homeschool with Montessori read on…
What is the Montessori approach?
The Montessori method of education was developed by Italian physician, Maria Montessori, during the early 1900’s. Dr. Montessori’s unique, holistic, scientifically-based educational approach has been implemented successfully across the globe for more than 100 years. Simply stated, the Montessori approach emphasizes child-led learning and discovery. Children work within a prepared environment and are encouraged to be independent and learn concepts through tangible, hands-on experiences.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions about the Montessori approach such as ”It’s expensive,” “It’s complicated,” “It’s overwhelming to do at home,” or “It’s just about putting toys on a shelf.” None of these things are true. At its heart, Montessori is about following the child. The Montessori method promotes individually paced learning, independence, and a love for learning. To learn more about Montessori at home check out American Montessori Society’s website.
How We Homeschool with Montessori
Noah, our youngest child, has been engaging in Montessori-inspired activities since he was four. Several years ago I completed a Montessori teacher training course with KHT Montessori which equipped me to use the Montessori approach in our homeschool. Completing the training course was a rich and rewarding experience that I highly recommend to other home educators who would like to provide a Montessori education to their children. If you’re interested in finding out more about KHT’s training program, click here.
The Montessori method is organized into five areas: practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and culture. As a Montessori parent, I determine which skills my child needs to work on within each of those areas. Through my training with KHT Montessori, I acquired teaching albums that I reference to guide me in creating learning plans. The albums I use are organized into twelve volumes: practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, geography, history, astronomy, physical science, botany, geology, ecology, and zoology. The teaching albums include lists of skills as well as lesson plans and resource suggestions {some DIY and some purchased}.
After determining our monthly goals, I prepare the learning environment for Noah. For most of the Montessori-inspired works I create activity trays which I arrange on his learning shelves. For some activities that focus on cleaning, yard work, or food preparation we use other areas of the house. Then, I simply allow Noah to work independently, selecting the work he wants to work on and repeating the activity until he has mastered it. I observe, offer guidance if necessary, and make adjustments as needed. As he masters skills I update his shelves with new activities.
When Noah was younger we completed lessons from all the albums, but as he has grown and matured we find ourselves focusing primarily on practical life activities. Practical life skills are a large part of the Montessori Curriculum. They give children opportunities to engage in real life activities such as taking care of themselves and their surroundings, preparing food, and learning grace and courtesy. In addition, practical life activities provide valuable fine motor skill practice. Fine motor skill development is an area that Noah is working on and these activities strengthen his hands and develop coordination in a fun and meaningful way.
In addition to practical life activities , we sprinkle in a few sensorial, critical thinking, and fine motor skill activities with some science, STEM and geography activities that align with what our family is working on in those areas. Some of the activities Noah works at are pure Montessori while others are Montessori-inspired.
How to Start Homeschooling with Montessori
There are numerous Montessori books and blogs by Montessori homeschool parents that can help you get a feel for what homeschooling with Montessori is like. If you determine that it’s a good fit for your family and homeschool, I highly recommend completing a training course to equip you to teach the Montessori approach in your home.
Our Family’s Favorite Montessori Blogs & Books
- The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori
- How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way by Tim Selden
- Living Montessori Now
- Carrots Are Orange
- How We Montessori
Training Programs for Montessori Homeschoolers
- KHT Montessori: 12-Month Online Montessori Certificate
- Trillium Montessori: Montessori Homeschool by Design for ages 3-6 or 6-12
- My Montessori Homeschool: Self-Paced Online Montessori Course
Other Montessori Homeschool Resources
- NAMC’s (North American Montessori Center): 3-6 year-old Montessori at Home Program
- My Montessori House: Homeschool Montessori curriculum albums for infancy through age 6+
- Montessori By Mom: monthly Montessori subscription box for 3-6 year olds
Have you used the Montessori approach with your child, either through homeschooling or a Montessori school? Please comment below and like our Delightful Homeschooling Facebook page for daily encouragement, resources, and new blog posts.