Mapping Your Montessori Journey

To say that the first steps into Montessori is overwhelming is an understatement.  This is often complicated by a pressing need to jump in immediately.  And let's not forget that the Montessori Method was originally developed for a school environment.  This leaves a wide range of interpretation for using Montessori in a home-school setting.

With all the variations found around the Internet, how do you know what is best for you and your unique family?  As with any venture, it's important to first know where you are heading.  This information can then be your guide for deciding how many resources are worth devoting to the pursuit.  And by resources, I'm referring to far more than financial investments.  We often forget that our time is incredibly valuable with a finite limit on availability.

I have come up with three questions to help you evaluate where you want to go in the Montessori home-school journey.


How long do you plan to school at home?
The answer to this question will go a long way to choosing where your resources should be directed.  It seems quite common today to approach Montessori at home as a substitute for preschool, with the long-term goal of sending a child to school, traditional or otherwise, once they are eligible for Kindergarten.  Another popular break is at the end of one of the Montessori cycles.  The primary cycle runs from ages 3-6, which generally leads up to 1st grade.  The next cycle, lower elementary, encompasses ages 6-9, which is generally 1st-3rd grade.  And of course, there are those who intend to home school through the duration.

For those only interested in preschool, the primary focus will end up being with sensorial and practical life activities.  I have no doubt that this is why activities from these areas dominate Pinterest and other popular Montessori sites.  While there will be some focus on language and math, it is relatively light initially, and most of the materials in this category can be easily made at home.  In most cases, only a small space is needed and could be incorporated nearly anywhere in the home.  A basic understanding of the philosophy would be more than sufficient, especially once the idea of the three-period lesson is grasped.

Those interested in the full primary spectrum will find themselves investing a bit more, especially in the area of math.  The math materials can add up quickly.  While they are a worthwhile investment for families who will use them for upper levels, it may be more cost-effective to use similar alternatives.

Those families who intend to go through lower elementary at a minimum are best suited to invest more heavily in traditional materials and more in-depth learning opportunities for the facilitating parent.  Many of the materials used in the early levels will be used again in elementary, which helps stretch the investment.  The elementary program builds on the primary.  For that reason, you may want to stick with a more traditional approach in moving through the sequence and scope of activities to ensure everyone is ready for advanced work.


How much of the traditional Montessori approach do you intend to utilize?
The full Montessori Method is quite structured, exceptionally detailed, and was written decades ago.  It's rare to find many organizations who follow it to the letter.  It's up to you to determine what works for you.

On one end of the spectrum, you have activities in-the-spirit-of or inspired by the work of Maria Montessori.  These tend to focus on practical life/sensorial activities and Montessori-inspired toys.  The other end of the spectrum involves focusing on the traditional materials and employing classic albums that encompass the full scope and sequence.  Most individuals find themselves somewhere between the two extremes.  For example, you may choose to follow Montessori staunchly for a specific subject while pursuing other complimentary curriculums in others.

If you wish to follow the method closely then you will most likely find yourself purchasing traditional materials and albums.  If you are simply seeking to be Montessori-inspired, you can probably thrive on the lessons available for free online.  While Montessori is a complete package, it isn't uncommon for some families to pair Montessori philosophies with other complimentary curriculums as they feel necessary.


What are your academic goals?
The final question is one you may not have considered.  If you are used to the compulsory education available in western culture then you generally adopt whatever standards have been adopted by that system.  In a home-school model, those standards are up to you, the parent.  Education as a whole generally has gaps in learning.  You can choose a model that is student-driven in which your child chooses gaps based on his/her individual interest.  You can also choose to select the gaps by defining the standards that should be met.  In addition, it is up to you to determine how in-depth each particular area is explored.  Some families prefer to address the base standards, allowing for the maximum experience of "real life".  Others will prefer a more academically driven model where core subjects are drilled to great depth.  There is no right or wrong.  The most important aspect in this category is deciding where you want to fall and ensuring you stick to your goals alone.  Decision in this area will drive the type of albums you choose to pursue and how closely you follow them.



If your answer to all three is "I don't know" I encourage you to take the time to reflect on the question and at the very least, come up with answers that you can live with for a prescribed period of time.  Attempt to come up with answers that you can stick to for six months.  Then, during that time period, ensure that the decisions you make in regards to your resources are inline with the initial commitment.

It is true that your goals will most likely evolve over time.  Ours certainly did.  However, setting short-term goals as you go will help avoid excessive spending and wasted efforts.

There is one final point which I will address further next week.  Ensure that your spouse and/or co-parent is on board with your goals.  Schooling at home is a massive undertaking, and it is critical that family units are in agreement.


So where are you on the spectrum?  Stay tuned as I share the goals for our Montessori journey.  And as promised, I will address the challenges of bringing your spouse/co-parent along the journey with you.

And if you're looking for more "getting starting" help, be sure and check out If I Could Start All Over.

Fifteen Gifts for a 5-6 Year Old

My inability to stop at fifteen continues.  Here are some interesting gift ideas for children in the 5-6 age range.  You can also view my lists for toddlers (18-36 months) and preschoolers (ages 3-4).



1.  Snap Circuits Junior
This set had taken the basic elements of electric circuits and turned them into a set of blocks that snap together, making them suitable for a young age range.  This particular set is the smallest they offer.  The larger kits allow for more elaborate projects.  We are starting small since somewhere down the line I intend to purchase the student kit.



2.  Pattern Play
This set includes a set of blocks that fit in a tray and pattern cards.  The goal is to simply recreate them.  Since the blocks vary in color and length, it can be tricky to get the pattern correct.  This also means that it is self correcting.  It is highly engaging.


3.  Toobeez Life Sized Building Set
This building set is a blast!  Elora still needs a little help constructing more complicated structures but the overall design for adding and removing the toobs is very child friendly.  The size of the creations you can build with this set is quite impressive.  All three of my children will play in something they've created for hours.  I'm also pleased with the quality as the final results are sturdy when engineered correctly.  Our set came with a storage bag which makes is easy to put away when finished.



4.  Angry Birds:  Knock on Wood Game
We have a bit of an Angry Bird obsession here, which I hear isn't unusual.  This game is surprising good for the mind.  The game cards require participants to construct the structures pictured.  It's a good lesson in spatial awareness.  Then you get to employ physics as you attempt to knock it down.  My children like to play with it cooperatively and they rarely play it as the game was intended.



5.  Quercetti Georello Toolbox
This is a fabulous set for learning about gears.  I love that structures can be built multilevel.  The large chain is a very interesting feature as well.  There are ample pieces for large inventions and it all fits back into the box for storage.



6.  Guidecraft Animal Train Sort and Match
This sort and match had scenes to recreate with a host of magnetic pieces.  I love the small detail changes in size and color as it requires some visual discrimination to complete.  This is also available in different options such as flowers and trucks.  And yes, it all fits inside the wood storage box.



 7.  Real Tools
Don't be fearful of real, child-sized tools.  Children adore them and they are generally safe when proper guidelines and supervision are in place.  Many of the big-box home improvement stores, like Lowes, offer free workshops.  They also sell kits that children can use at home.  But of course, kits aren't needed.  My children are happy to hammer a nail into any old scrap of wood.  My favorite tool set is the Young Builders Tool Set that is available from Montessori Services.  They also sell a manual if you want to teach a young child real woodworking skills.



8.  Aven Zipscope Digital Microscope
For those unfamiliar with digital microscopes, they magnify items and display them on your computer screen.  This also allows for the capture of pictures and videos.  Every time I pull it out we lose track of time!  There are so many fun things to look at... skin/hair, clothing, rocks, insects, food, toys... you name it.  If you can hold the scope up to it, you can magnify it.  We've even used it to compare how different art materials look on paper.  If you are interested in this one, Amazon has it on their lightening deals nearly ever year during the holiday season.



9.  Wedgits Starter Tote
The Wedgit blocks are so much fun and are very unusual in how they stack.  I like this starter tote because it includes a base block and a set of building cards.



10.  Snap Blocks
Snap blocks are intriguing because they stick together with, well, snaps.  It can take some thought to build a structure.  It also helps refine fine motor skills due to the snaps.  Elora in particular enjoys them.  We do not have the set listed above.  Instead we have this set from Lakeshore Learning.



11.  Plan Toys Balancing Cactus
This is intended to be a game.  However, it often gets used as open ended play.  It's fun to see how far out you can build branches by carefully constructing your cactus to accommodate the varying weight of the pieces.



12.  Trucky 3
Trucky includes three empty trucks, a set of blocks and a puzzle book.  The goal is to fill the trucks according to the designs in the pattern book.  While this is similar in concept to other "match the picture" activities, the 3D nature of the blocks adds an extra twist.  The more difficult patterns are challenging.



13.  Complete Funprint Drawing Book
Fingerprint art is a blast, especially for those children who have enough penmanship skills to begin to draw more purposefully.  This book gives step by step examples of how to turn your finger prints into artwork.  Then your imagination can take it from there.  Don't forget to add some washables stamp pads.



14.  Lakeshore Learning Can Do Kits
I adore these Can Do kits from Lakeshore Learning.  Each one includes an assortment of simple science experiments.  My favorite aspect is that the instructions are pictures meaning they can be conducted independently by a non-reader.  The kits include sound, light, force and motion, sink and float, magnets and magnification.  You can see all of the kits here.  And don't forget, Lakeshore almost always has available coupons.



15.  Symphony in B
This is a fun toy for exploring the instruments of the orchestra.  It can play a number of pre-loaded songs.  You can choose which instruments play along by placing in them designated area.  It's fun to see how each one changes the song.  It also highlights which section each instrument belongs to and which ones tend to play melodies vs harmonies.  This is generally only available at Target although sometimes third party sellers make it available on Amazon.



16.  Jumbie Jam Steel Drum
I am fairly particular about instruments for my children.  I really wanted a steel drum and looked high and low for one that had the real traditional tones.  All of the child-sized ones I saw had a clangy tin sound.  It wasn't the true rich tone that you come to think of with steel drums.  I saw a demo of this model and was blown away.  And yes, it really sounds that lovely in person.  I love this drum and so do my children.  The stand is adjustable so it will grow with them.  It also comes with a book and CD.  If you are serious about getting one, I suggest watching prices.  I ended up getting a fantastic deal through Musician's Friend thanks to a coupon.



17.  Guidecraft Storybox
Each storybox contains all the figures necessary to recreate a classic tale.  We have the Hansel and Gretel box and I must say that the craftsmanship on the pieces is gorgeous.  I also appreciate the diversity in the line which includes classic tales from Asia and Africa.



In the interest of full disclosure, the links provided are Amazon Affiliate links.

Fifteen Favorite Gifts for a Preschooler

Okay, so there's actually seventeen gifts for a preschooler (ages 3-4) listed here.  I hope that doesn't discourage you from reading.  :-)  If you are interested in the under 3 toddler range, suggestions can be found here.

1.  Alfred's Kid's Ukulele Course
The ukulele is a wonderful size for small hands.  I like this kit because it includes everything you need to get started including a book, cd and dvd.  The instrument itself is decent quality for the price.

2.  Ikea Ekorre Swing
All of my children love this swing.  We currently have it hanging in the play area of the basement.  It is so popular that we have to set a timer to take turns.  It seems to have a relaxing effect on each of them.  The link I have listed is for Amazon but you can also find this at Ikea if you have one locally.

3.  3D Spatial Relations Activity Set - Farm Theme
This farm block set includes picture cards that present various scenes.  The child then tries to accurately recreate them.  It teaches concepts such as behind and on top of.  I like it because it holds interests well.

4.  Insect Lore Live Butterfly Garden
We raised butterflies with this kit last year.  It was an absolute blast.  Projects like this tend to scare me because they can be overly involved.  I didn't find the investment too cumbersome.  You do have to send for the caterpillars and be mindful of local temperatures to determine the best time to start the process.  This is one of the most memorable experiences my older two children have had.  They were enthralled with it day after day.

5.  Lakeshore Learning Alphabet Zoo
This zoo set includes 26 animals and a fold out "zoo" that is attached to the storage box.  The detailing on the miniatures is good and the setup makes it easy to store.  It feels like a toy but it's a great way to practice initial sounds.

6.  Alex Button Art
This set includes colored buttons that can be pushed into a peg board.  The included cards allow the children to complete patterns through color matching.  It didn't initially strike me as something exceptionally engaging but my older two have sat and worked the cards for 20+ minutes at a time.

7.  Singing Marble Tree
This tree has wood leaves in various sizes.  It comes with a range of wooden marbles that can be dropped from the top.  They make wonderful sounds as they spiral down.  While it seems so simple, it is truly fascinating.  All of my children adore this and even my husband and I can't resist dropping a few marbles down from time to time.

 8.  My Little Sandbox - Bug's World
These individual sized boxes come in a host of themes from space to fairies.  They are highly engaging and perfect for some dedicated play time at the table.

9.  Elefun
This is a fantastic rainy day game.  The elephant shoots butterflies out of his trunk while the children try to catch them with nets.  My children constantly ask to play it and will do so for a great length of time.

10.  Melissa and Doug Architecture Unit Blocks
We have a wide range of block sets here so I was skeptical that this set would be something new and different.  It has delivered as this is the preferred set by far.  Our set is well loved but is holding up beautifully.

11.  Active Play Monkey Balance Board
This is the perfect sized balance board for the preschool range.  Not only do they enjoy it but it helps refine critical motor skills like balance.

12.  Fold and Go Trampoline
Preschoolers are notorious for their endless energy supply.  This is a fantastic way to help them expel it.  The model we have is a bit different but the concept is similar.  The collapsible style is nice for smaller spaces since you can store it when not in use.

13.  Mini Shop Vac
All three of my children have demonstrated a lengthy obsession with the vacuum.  I have attempted to entice them with child sized push sweepers to no avail.  I finally gave in and purchased a toy version of our vacuum which has been a hit although I've always bee disappointed that it didn't work.  Well, shazam!  This mini shop vac is the perfect size for young children to use and it works.  I can't give a personal testimony since it will be under the tree this year but the reviews from other parents have set my expectations high.

14.  Stomp Rocket Junior
If you don't have a stomp rocket, you need one.  These are a blast.  The junior model is great but there is another version that boasts up to 200ft of rocket height.

15.  Melissa and Doug Deluxe Wooden Doorbell House
This house has unexpectedly captivated my children in the preschool range.  It comes with 4 doors and 4 keys that are attached to a short ribbon.  The child must match the correct key to each door to open it.  There is a color coordinated person behind each one.  Yes, each door has a doorbell although I've left the batteries in this one without much regret.

16.  Fisher Price Kid Tough Binoculars
You will find these around the neck of my preschooler most days.  He loves looking out the window or across the room.  It's light and the features are well thought out for a young child.  The strap is breakaway and the adjustments are simple.

17.  Lakeshore Learning Real Bugs Discovery Set
If your child enjoys insects then I highly recommend this set of 12 insects encased in acrylic.  The selection is great because it includes commonly seen insects like crickets and ants.



Stay tuned for my fifteen favorites kindergartens.

In the interest of full disclosure, the links provided are Amazon Affiliate links.