Start 3-6 materials at home/transition to school later?

[b_light]

Our local (terrific!) Montessori school won't let children into the 3-6 class until they turn 3 (makes sense ). My son will turn 3 this December and the school will only let 3 years come into the class mid-term if 1) they have an opening, 2) they are in the toddler class. We opted to not do the toddler class, so my son won't be able to start until he is almost 4.

I'm quite interested in doing everything Montessori at home, and am reading every Montessori book I can get my hands on. I've noticed some of you recommend not to buy specialized Montessori materials for use at home. Would it be terrible if I started with some of the sensorial materials? I don't want to miss some of this time where he could be learning/most interested in these particular materials.

There is also a chance that we may put off Montessori another year or so if we cannot afford it. But it's hard to guess what will happen in two or more years. If it's too tight, I could see us opting to "homeschool" until 6-12 (this school only goes to 12), seeing that as less home-school-able.

What do you think? Which is worse--my son not starting exposure to sensorial materials at 2.5/3 or doing them at home?

[MattBronsil]

There are a few reasons to not do them at home, so just be cautious with it.

1) The child usually loses interest at school if it's also at home.
2) The materials are supposed to give the child something specific. Many parents don't know what that is or how to present it.

With your situation, I say it couldn't hurt to try some of the sensorial materials. Make sure you know how to do them and what, exactly, they're trying to teach. The language is very specific. Don't tell your child that there is a "big" and "small" red rod. (It's long and short).

[b_light]

Thank you for answering me! . And thanks extra for telling me why you normally don't recommend having Montessori materials at home--both of those reasons are logical and will help guide me as to what I pick to buy and do at home.

I've read "Montessori from the Start", "How to Raise an Amazing Child The Montessori Way", and "Teaching Montessori, the Preschool Years". I also have "The Montessori Method", by Maria Montessori and "A Montessori Handbook", by R.C. Orem but have not read these last 2 (yet).

I've looked at the albums from www.infomontessori.com and www.moteaco.com as well as the video lectures from Montessori World.

Is there any other must-read books/sites? I never seem to quite feel prepared enough.