Montessori at Home

[Montessori Mommy]

I've posted this in the homeschoolers forum, but I thought I might get more feedback over here:

Has anyone done or considered employing Montessori methods/materials at home? Our Montessori school only goes up to KG and I'll be homeschooling next year. If anyone has done this, do you know of any Montessori at home books for parents that focus on older children (above KG)? I've found a few that explain how to use Montessori at home and make your own materials, but they focus on preschool (3-6) only. TIA

DD1 has been in Montessori for 4 years now, she will be 5 in the fall. DD2 is only in her second year (toddler last year, primary this year), she is 3.

[LukesMum]

I am in MOntessori teacher training and have lots of stuff at home. My ds also went to a fabulous Montessori school but is now in an international school ( although we may not stick with that) anyway I have gotten many things from here. Its pretty inexpensive and I love the wuality. Hope this helps!
http://www.lorisa.citymax.com/home.html

[Lillianna]

Hi MontessoriMommy! I dug up a few links for you.
General Info:
http://montessori-namta.org/NAMTA/geninfo/devcont4.html
Materials:
http://www.michaelolaf.net/1CWhome.html
Overview:
http://www.montessori-namta.org/Namt...pubs.html#elem
This kind of stuff is not comprehensive: http://www.montessoriresources.com/L...CaPDPh5QNICdFM There are materials missing, extensions not explained, etc. that will result in noncontinuous presentations. The only way (IMO) to understand the interrelations and progression of learning is to take a training course that covers the complete theory. Though there are many websites and books (Eliz. Hainstock, etc) out there about doing M in the home, be aware that you will probably have some "gaps" in the presentations because there are often presentations done without materials or in between materials to make links and also many extensions for a variety of work with any one material to encourage repetition and learning from different angles. The social community is integral to the success of the philosphy (IMO) and in the practical application as many lessons, especially in elem., involve small groups of children working together. Not to discourage you but maybe you can figure a way to involve a few more children (in home day care? or homeschool coop?)
You could contact a training center in your locale, they may offer workshops. Or you could try to establish a relationship with an Elem. Guide in your area to help you understand the connections and get a good start. The elementary training consists of 7 or 8 albums (manuals) full of materials and presentations.
Here's a link for an article about M homeschooling: http://www.montessori.edu/homeschooling.html
If you are interested in training, I think the AMI training center at Loyola of Baltimore (Washington Montessori Institute) may have a class your child could attend while you study (there may be others with this arrangement - AMS?). This is also an overview of the courses for elem. training. http://graduate.loyola.edu/graduate/...ademicyear.asp

[norasmom]

I am going to begin to HS my 3yo this month using the Montessori Method. I am very excited about it & can't wait to get started. Actually we are going to start setting up the classroom, my living room, today!!

There are several yahoo groups to help with materia;s & ask questions. I am alsoin one that is like a beginners training. Basically a woman is sharing her albums and providing a place for disscussion. I also read lots & lots of books. The titles my Maria Montessori are a little dry in places, but I think they really help put you in the right frame of mind for presenting M. style learning. I would reccomend Discovery of the childto start with. If you want more book reccomendations or the names of the yahoo groups, just ask.

Also, I have a ton of links for websites with free material for use in the homeschool environment if you want thosse.

[mommy2abigail]

Ohhhh! I do! I am also interested in montesorri hs. If you could post those links that would be great!