Teach Everything?
Feeling overwhelmed
When
you first start out using Montessori in the home it can feel very
overwhelming. There is this idea that an entire 'classroom' must be
prepared and ready in order for Montessori to be used. The truth is,
that while the materials themselves play an important role in the
learning process, the real key to Montessori in the home is the
philosophy. So please don't let yourself become overwhelmed with the
need to stock your house with an entire classroom worth of materials.
Take some time to read about Montessori so that you begin to understand
the basics: A Montessori Home, Is It Possible?, Montessori Book List and
visit some of the blogs listed in our right side bar - you'll see a
great variety of families who use Montessori to varying degrees.Do I have to teach them everything in Montessori?
The beauty of Montessori is that you don't have to teach them everything! A child who is raised in an environment where the Montessori philosophy is implemented, will quickly learn that they can explore on their own (whether it be sensorial exploration, math, language, etc) and they will in fact teach themselves. Our job (as a Montessori guide/parent) is to expose them to ideas and concepts, offer them the basics, and then make sure the materials and/or opportunities are available to them for further exploration, should they desire.Some Montessori is better than none
Montessori doesn't have to be an "all or nothing" educational method. Many families have implemented various parts of Montessori into their home lives with great success. As parents learn more about Montessori many realize they already use aspects of the Montessori philosophy and didn't even know it! Look at your family as a whole, then each individual child. Decide how it's best to use Montessori in your home. Perhaps you'll follow the philosophy without purchasing the traditional Montessori materials. Or maybe you decide to trade some of their traditional 'toys' for some Montessori-inspired toys. Maybe you'll supplement their traditional public school education with some printable Montessori materials. Be sure to download all our FREE Montessori Materials and see if they interest your child.