The Montessori Homeschool . . .

I think we have found our niche. Today was our first day to try Montessori Homeschooling.
What is Montessori, you ask?
I'm glad you asked!

The Montessori Method was created by Maria Montessori at the turn of the century. Her book The Montessori Method was published in 1912. The premise of the Montessori method of teaching is that children learn best when they have the freedom to chose what they wish to learn and when. That being said, there is still a METHOD of teaching and a sequence.

For example, in a Montessori school, the learning always begins with Practical Life and Sensorial works. Practical Life is exactly what it sounds like: learning how to LIVE. Things like dressing, hygiene, cooking, sewing, cleaning, etc. Sensorial works are based around the five senses - sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell. Once children master these types of works, they are free, when they are ready, to move toward work dealing with language arts, math, and social sciences.

One of the greatest aspects of the Montessori method is that children teach each OTHER works they've mastered, and often older children will instruct the younger children. This is why the Montessori method lends itself well to homeschools with multiple aged children.

In a true Montessori school, you find classrooms separated by age groups that are larger than a traditional school might be. Rather than being broken up into Kindergarten, First, Second, etc. grades, the Montessori school is broken up into age ranges: 3-6; 6-9; 9-12; 12-15, etc. This so that older children have the opportunity to teach younger children. This is important from two perspectives: first, when a child is able to teach another child, it cements the lesson into their own mind, thus completing a "learning circle" (introduce, learn, practice, teach). For the younger child, they get to interact with an older mentor, so to speak.

Another benefit of the Montessori style of teaching is that every child goes at his or her own pace. This is important for so many reasons. So often we hinder a child's love of learning by trying to force them to learn something they might not be ready to learn. Potty training a child too early, for example, can lead to future issues with bowl with-holding or nighttime wetting. The same goes with subject-learning. A child that is not ready to read can become frustrated and belligerent when being forced into it. The opposite is true for children that are ready for something before the educational system says they are. Some children are ready to read and write by age four. Some are ready for algebra by age nine. Holding the children back in learning things when they're ready can cause behavior issues, boredom, and other problems.

While these are all great reasons to turn to the Montessori method of homeschooling, these are only a small reason as to why I have chosen this for our little school.

First off, Montessori was specifically designed for children with special needs. Because the system is designed for children to learn using all five senses, every learning ability and style benefits from it. Miss E benefits greatly from this because of her AD/HD and ODD. The Montessori Method keeps her interested and focused, and teaches her how to get along with others. Mr. J equally benefits from this method because of his early desire to read and do math.

Second, I spent several years prior to having children as an assistant in a Montessori classroom. For six year I learned the method and the works, and even considered going back to school to get my certification (online). If nothing more than to be a better educator for my children.

Finally, it's CHEAP, believe it or not. While there are several Montessori works that are difficult to replicate at home, most are made from items we have in our own cabinets and drawers.  Homemade Montessori works are wonderful. There are several websites out there that will help you make your own.

One more thing:
The Montessori method fosters a love of learning but also a love of discipline. Not the kind of discipline that included belittling or harming a child, but rather self-discipline and care for one's self. Not to mention how to take care of others and be of service to each other. I am excited to get our little school going once and for all.