Montessori and Homeschooling

In the last few months we have had an enormous amount of email from parents who want to use Montessori for homeschooling for purely financial reason.

After a bit of brainstorming with teachers here as well as others such as Chandra Fernando, a well-known teacher and Montessori teacher trainer, we have come up with some ideas and suggestions:

1. Focus on the importance of the Montessori teaching philosophy before focusing on stocking up on equipment. Teaching style and presentation that allows your child to experiment in a hands-on and independent manner is key to everything.
   
2. Hover parenting is contrary to Montessori philosophy!
3. Drop in on a Montessori class to observe for the day. If one school turns down your request, try another. The Apple Ridge Montessori school in Maryland is a fantastic small school with reasonable rates and a wonderful administrator.
   
4. Short on funds? Here is the link for "The Montessori Method" online. It's free and you can print it or save it to your computer.
5. DIY equipment works well. You can also use items around the house for practical life and sensorial exercises. Building math and language equipment is harder, but doable. Our curriculum guides are an affordable way to get a step-by-step curriculum.
6. Make sure you include practical life, sensorial, biology, math, language, group activities, physical activity, outdoor play, and nature observation and study. A lot of people are tempted to skip the "soft" aspects such as nature or physical activity, but these are key to the overall package!

Looking forward to everyone's comments and ideas! Have a great concept that works for you and your family? We'd love to hear it and share it with everyone!