| Author | |
insegnante
Forum All-Star
Joined: April 07 2006
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1143
|
| Posted: July 06 2007 at 7:59pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
I think the main reason I have not even really looked into Montessori is it sounds complicated and probably expensive. Or only inexpensive if you're a very talented, energetic person. I haven't even read extensively on the philosophy or the basics of implementing it because it just sounds so overwhelming. I'm one of those people who tends to put off doing things because I want to get them just right, and then I never do them at all. And I doubt we could afford many if any of these supplies I hear about Montessori people using. At least, not afford them without being much more sure that it was the educational style for us. It is not realistic that I will make them myself, if any are the kinds of things you can make yourself.
My son is going to be in "kindergarten" this coming year though and I am thinking if I feel like I need a little guidance, a little structure, rather than to expect to customize everything "just right" on my own, Montessori might be something I'm more comfortable with than some workbook-based plan or similar.
Any ideas for simple, clear resources to help me figure out if this is something we could do, or want to do, without spending lots of money or, honestly, reading overwhelmingly deep philosophical materials in order to understand it? (I'm still working on the first book I am likely to finish in 2007!) Aside from Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (interested but not sure if we'll have access to it,) are there any things are particularly worth incorporating into the beginning "formal" education of a child this age, if we don't do Montessori full-time?
Theresa
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
SeaStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 16 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9068
|
| Posted: July 06 2007 at 8:13pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Elizabeth's book "Real Learning" sounds like exactly what you are looking for. Based on Charlotte Mason, with some Montessori thrown in, it's an approach that anyone, anywhere can take up without expensive equipment, and that the kids love.
I am attracted to Montessori because I'm a toy lover from way back- I love the beautiful materials. I also love the philosophy of respecting the children and teaching them independence. But in my house, we definitely do a blend of "real learning" and Montessori. I like to think of it as the best of both worlds for us.
__________________
Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Non Nobis
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
|
| Posted: July 06 2007 at 8:25pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Theresa -
There does seem so much to distill at first doesn't there? And where to begin?
I'd first suggest Elizabeth's book Real Learning if you haven't yet read it. She does make a passing reference to Montessori, but it's the perspective in general that is very freeing to read about. Montessori, Charlotte Mason, whatever, is just an avenue to real learning, and it sounds as if you're looking for a relaxed way to approach home education with your son. I think starting there will give you some insight. Using her reading list alone gets you more than halfway there.
Now, for more Montessori specifics. General, and probably way oversimplified Montessori philosophy is just this: Maria Montessori spent her entire life observing exactly *how* children learned. She designed and tweaked materials in specific ways to help lead them to make connections on their own - to facilitate "aha" moments in a child. Children of different ages go through certain "sensitive periods" in which they are just sponges for information. She took these observations about materials and the sensitive periods and designed a plan of educating the whole child to be an independent, lifelong learner. So...chances are you have already been exercising some of her philosophies without even knowing it as you recognize that your son really responds to this or that, and you offer it more.
Simple clear resources that I liked were Elizabeth Hainstock's book Teaching Montessori in the Home: the preschool years. She has another book written in the same way for the school years, but it's out of print. I really think the preschool book would shed a lot of light on Kind. for your son. Her writing is quite clear, and geared for the home, so very applicable. It would be an easy read, and if you check it out from the library, you haven't lost anything if you don't enjoy the philosophy.
From there you should be able to decide if you want to pursue any materials, whether made at home, or purchased.
Good luck Theresa! Don't feel daunted by kindergarten! Honestly, if you read from Elizabeth's list, take a few nature walks together, and present some Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, you're done! The rest is icing!
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Non Nobis
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
|
| Posted: July 06 2007 at 8:27pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Oh Melinda - we were posting the same thing at the same time! See Theresa...you gotta get that book 
God bless.
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Meredith
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 08 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2355
|
| Posted: July 07 2007 at 11:45am | IP Logged
|
|
|
insegnante wrote:
| I think the main reason I have not even really looked into Montessori is it sounds complicated and probably expensive. Or only inexpensive if you're a very talented, energetic person. I haven't even read extensively on the philosophy or the basics of implementing it because it just sounds so overwhelming. I'm one of those people who tends to put off doing things because I want to get them just right, and then I never do them at all. And I doubt we could afford many if any of these supplies I hear about Montessori people using. At least, not afford them without being much more sure that it was the educational style for us. It is not realistic that I will make them myself, if any are the kinds of things you can make yourself. Theresa |
|
|
Theresa, you've already gotten some wonderful resources here and advice as this is what I would have directed you to as well!! I completely understand where you are coming from and have sweated this out more times than I care to remember I will have my 3rd Kindergartener this year  and I'm SO excited! The Pre-K and K years are SO FUN because there's so much learning going on without having to fuss with alot of *stuff*!! My ds is starting to read at this point so we'll be doing lots of language activities, but I am in agreement with Jennifer that presenting the COGS materials, some great picture books and lots of nature study will be a superb year for a K'er!! Do not feel pressured in any way to have to *do* Montessori, as you can incorporate the principles with many items you may already have. It's not necessary to re-invent a Montessori classroom within your own home. The Hainstock book is a treasure trove of possiblities as well as Real Learning, it will take you through MANY years of home education!!
Welcome and many blessings in your new journey with your sweet K'er!!
__________________
Meredith
Mom of 4 Sweeties
Sweetness and Light
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
MarilynW
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 28 2006
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4275
|
| Posted: July 07 2007 at 1:04pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
insegnante wrote:
I think the main reason I have not even really looked into Montessori is it sounds complicated and probably expensive. Or only inexpensive if you're a very talented, energetic person. I haven't even read extensively on the philosophy or the basics of implementing it because it just sounds so overwhelming. I'm one of those people who tends to put off doing things because I want to get them just right, and then I never do them at all.
Theresa |
|
|
Hi Theresa - I am similar - and I felt totally overwhelmed a few years ago. But I have added a couple of things with each child - Matt has had the most Montessori!
I have some books you are welcome to come and look at or borrow - I have Real Learning, Natural Structure, Montessori from the Start and some others. Loudon Library has "How to Raise An Amazing Child the Montessori Way". I also have the older CGS manual if you want to take a look.
I incorporate some Montessori methods - and a lot of the philosophy. I do not have the budget to buy a lot to the things, nor the time (ability?) to make a lot. I also have a lot of manipulatives/toys - which are not strict Montessori - but follow the philosophy. A lot of the Melissa and Doug toys fall into this category. I have them on the wishlists for birthdays and Christmas which helps defray the cost. I combine this with CM, FIAR etc. I am also pulling out my Little Saints preschool program - and using that, and many things fit in well with Montessori/CM.
When this baby comes (and I am so praying for this weekend as the back contractions are getting tough to put up with  - plus Dr. F is on call  ) - and things have settled down - please feel free to come and look at books and materials I have - I still have my learning room to sort - but Matt's stuff is way ahead of everyone else.
__________________
Marilyn
Blessed with 6 gifts from God
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
happymama
Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 05 2007
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 410
|
| Posted: July 09 2007 at 7:59pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
A short, simple Montessori lesson is to respect the child enough to not interrupt them when they are concentrating on something! Not even to ask, "what are you doing?" or to say "good job!" Adults don't like to be interrupted when they are doing serious work, and Montessori said to consider "child's play" serious work. This is one tidbit of her's that has made me thankful for incorporating her ideas.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Meredith
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 08 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2355
|
| Posted: July 09 2007 at 8:17pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Excellent points happymama, and I am thankful for it too!! We all need to remember this as it is *key* to the method! Thank you!
__________________
Meredith
Mom of 4 Sweeties
Sweetness and Light
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Angel
Forum All-Star
Joined: April 22 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2293
|
| Posted: July 10 2007 at 5:47am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Yes, I think the part of Montessori that has made the most impact on us is not the materials but the concepts "freedom within limits" and "respect for the child."
If you do a little reading and decide that you like the Montessori way of doing things but don't want to jump headfirst into things (which is where I was for years), you could always incorporate some practical life into your K year. This would just mean sweeping, mopping, dusting, polishing, kitchen work (pouring, cutting, following a recipe), some manipulative activities set up with things around the house... Kids really do blossom when they are allowed to work on "grown-up" activities independently (without calling them chores. )
--Angela
Three Plus Two
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
insegnante
Forum All-Star
Joined: April 07 2006
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1143
|
| Posted: July 10 2007 at 11:39am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks everyone. I'm glad to hear that Montessori is not really all about the materials. Once I got some catalog -- I'm pretty sure it claimed to be Montessori-oriented -- in the mail that described the importance of having a very optional-seeming item in a way that left me really skeptical (I know -- they were selling something!)
The philosophy you're describing sounds agreeable. I have probably seen a book or two on Montessori at the local libraries. I may have even checked one out and never read it like most of the library books I check out.
And Marilyn, thanks, hope to hear an announcement from you soon!
Oh, and I have been negligent about getting Elizabeth's book. Money is so tight so much of the time. Unfortunately it seems to be one of the harder to find homeschooling books out there -- I wonder if I could get my library to order it? The homeschooling section at our preferred branch is pretty generous.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
helene
Forum Pro
Joined: Dec 10 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 304
|
| Posted: July 10 2007 at 7:45pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
The Montessori principle that has made the most impact on our homeschool is respecting the child's stages of development. If a child is not yet ready to read (or tie his shoes, or learn his multiplcation facts, or write an essay about the Revolutionary War, etc.) then it is best to shelve that idea until a better time and focus the child's energies on things that are well-grasped and understood at the present. I have come to recognize this piece of Montessori wisdom over and over and over in my experience teaching children. It makes perfect sense to me.
__________________
Happy Mom to five girls (20,17,13,11and 4) and five boys (19, 15, 10, 8 and 6)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Meredith
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 08 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2355
|
| Posted: July 10 2007 at 8:42pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Wonderful insight here helene! I think we are much too quick in our society, homeschooled or not, to rush our dc into learning when they may not be ready for something! It's good to remember this and it DOES make perfect sense
Blessings!
__________________
Meredith
Mom of 4 Sweeties
Sweetness and Light
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder
Topic: hesitant Montessori inquirer
