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Maggie
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| Posted: Aug 21 2008 at 4:03pm | IP Logged
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Hi Everyone,
Please pardon my ignorance on this matter: what exactly is Montessori education? And why should someone "do" Montessori as opposed to another approach?
As far as I know, Montessori is a bit more "ordered"? Is that correct? And a room is set up to enhance learning and creativity?
How does one do this if there is no "learning" room in the home? (We have one main room, a kitchen, and 2 bedrooms).
Also...Montessori seems...well...expensive? I have seen some of the manipulatives, items to set-up rooms, etc...but I think my husband would think I was nuts if I asked to purchase all these things...but then again, is it considered an investment?
I guess I really don't understand the nuts and bolts of Montessori...I guess it is compatible with CCM and they are not mutually exclusive?
If I am doing "Little Saints" with my daughter, is that not compatible with CCM or Montessori?
I'm such a newbie...thank you for your time and patience with me. 
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Maryan
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| Posted: Aug 21 2008 at 4:55pm | IP Logged
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Maggie,
I'm the type of person who is not a purist in using methods of education... I think you can blend the best of all imo.
I would search some of the threads here for starters. Mackfam (Jennifer) has some great thoughts on her blog about Montessori as well as MontessoriLori at hers.
And... I don't know what Little Saints is .. so how's that for newbie??.... 
I can tell you WHY I'm drawn to use some of Montessori methods, ideas, and materials in my home education.
1. I have boys. "They" say that many boys are tactile learners... Montessori uses that in her methods.
2. I am not very patient. Reading Montessori and using her methods (gentle observation, child led activities, etc.) have helped me become more patient.
3. She's been around for awhile.
Just some of my reasons...
__________________
Maryan
Mom to 6 boys & 1 girl: JP('01), B ('03), M('05), L('06), Ph ('08), M ('10), James born 5/1/12
A Lee in the Woudes
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Aug 21 2008 at 9:56pm | IP Logged
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Maggie wrote:
| what exactly is Montessori education? |
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In a nutshell, Maggie it's about the child - providing learning experiences that are attractive to the child and child driven, letting the child make connections and then observing your child. We had a wonderful discussion here that explains this philosophy beautifully, I think.
Maggie wrote:
| And why should someone "do" Montessori as opposed to another approach? |
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I enjoy using a lot of Montessori in my home because it works for us. I think you use what works for you and is a good fit for your children - whatever that is.
Maggie wrote:
| As far as I know, Montessori is a bit more "ordered"? Is that correct? And a room is set up to enhance learning and creativity? |
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There is a great deal of order to Montessori and the set-up is also ordered - not rigidly so, but in a beautiful, logical way that is intuitive. It is amazing the attractiveness an object or material has to a child when displayed simply and thoughtfully. I would say it invites learning and creativity.
Maggie wrote:
| How does one do this if there is no "learning" room in the home? (We have one main room, a kitchen, and 2 bedrooms). |
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You could set up one or two small shelves in a hall or living room or even in a closet. Materials not set out can be stored in bins in a closet or under a bed. I use inexpensive shoe storage shelves in my home - you can find them in the closet organizer section of Walmart or Target. You don't have to have an immense amount of *stuff* set out.
Maggie wrote:
| Also...Montessori seems...well...expensive? I have seen some of the manipulatives, items to set-up rooms, etc...but I think my husband would think I was nuts if I asked to purchase all these things...but then again, is it considered an investment? |
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It can be. A few thoughts...start small - it is an investment, but there is no need to make it all at once, particularly if your are unsure. You can make a lot of the materials yourself, but if you'd like to purchase, ebay is a good option and there are many bargain type online vendors.
Maggie wrote:
I guess I really don't understand the nuts and bolts of Montessori...I guess it is compatible with CCM and they are not mutually exclusive?
If I am doing "Little Saints" with my daughter, is that not compatible with CCM or Montessori? |
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I find them quite compatible. I am doing something akin to Little Saints with my 3yo. We read a lot of picture books, do a few crafts, and then he has some Montessori time. I offer a Montessori presentation as needed and leave a material out for him to work with. He chooses something from the Montessori shelves any time I tell him he can make a "choice" for his work.
Maggie wrote:
| I'm such a newbie...thank you for your time and patience with me. |
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Sure, Maggie. Here's a link to a recent question on favorite Montessori books. My suggestion would be to check out some of these from your library and start reading. If it speaks to you and you feel it would speak to your child, keep reading, search the threads here for resources and reviews and keep asking questions.
If you're interested - these are all my posts on my thoughts and experiences with Montessori and I highly recommend taking a long look at Lori's blog. Lori is a trained Montessori teacher now homeschooling her children with Montessori. Her perspective and contribution here has been extremely valuable. I might suggest in particular to you her Montessori Basics posts.
Whew! That was a lot!  Hope it's a good start for you!
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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AndreaG
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| Posted: Aug 22 2008 at 2:39am | IP Logged
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Little Saints is influenced by montessori and classical methods- at least I think that is what it says on the cover! I would say it is very compatible with both montessori and cm, I use it for my little ones in addition to our montessori/cm blend.
I use montessori as opposed to some other method b/c:
1. It is hands-on and I have 3 boys (so far!).
2. I studied child development in college and I like how this method is geared to the child's developmental level.
3.I wanted to learn to be more orderly, and my children to learn that too.
4.It also seems to me that montessori encourages that self initiated learning that I want to inspire.
I agree that making room for the stuff and the expense is a bit of a pain, but I see the benefits as being worth the trouble for our family. And of course homeschooling is a really individual thing, I don't think montessori is the best approach for every one.
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Andrea
GrayFamilyCircus
Read Through the Catechism in a Year- For Moms!
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4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder
Topic: Explanation of Montessori?
