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Lorraine
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| Posted: July 15 2007 at 12:51am | IP Logged
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Hi all,
I'm a new member and this is my first post. I'm sorry about the length of the post, but I am quite anxious about transitioning my 4.5 year old daughter from a montessori preschool to homeschool this coming fall. I also have a 2.5 year old son. This homeschooling concept is so new to me. I just quit my job of 9 years to be a stay at home mom in February and adjusting to life at home. Then gradually, my husband and I both felt the Lord calling us to be a homeschooling family. In the last few months, I've read Catholic Education Homeward Bound, A Mother's Rule of Life (but can't get a rule together yet), Hainstock's book, most of Gettman's book, and skimmed through the NAMC albums borrowed from a friend. Right now, I'm enrolled in Karen's course and have started reading "Real Learning."
I'm not too worried about my son because he's still young and can start with a lot of practical life materials and some basic sensorial materials which I can grasp quite easily. But with my daughter, her teacher had told me that she is quite advanced in the language and math areas. I don't think I can learn all the advanced presentations (e.g. bead materials, phonetic objects) in time to keep up with her. She loves her teacher and her work at school. Even now she's always asking me to "show how something new" and I have to say "Sorry dear but I'm not ready" to which she usually respond with a disappointed look (which breaks my heart). What I do try to do is get books from library or buy online to read to her because she loves that.
When I told the principal that I planned to homeschool my duaghter, she told me that she's so bright and so together that she would be like an unfinished piece of art if I didn't send her back for her 3rd year because that's the year where kids integrate everything they've learned in the previous 2 years and finally flourish. My husbanb, who thankfully is very supportive, and I firmly believe that this is what God has called us to do, but I just don't know if I can pull it off! I'm afraid that I won't have enough to offer her and do more harm that good in her academic development. The only comfort I take is that at home I can probably offer more religious content than school and that she won't be submerged in the negative influences of her peers anymore.
BTW, has anyone read and implemented the "Natural Structure" curriculum? I've skimmed through that book, but they do not use the advanced Montessori materials (such as beads). Maybe I can incorporate the art and religion portions? Has anyone used the "Little Stories for Little Folks" series form CHC? I wonder if and how it can be somehow incorporated into the Language Arts curriculum.
Thanks in advance for any advices. I'm sorry again for the length but I think I just needed an outlet. I'm so glad I finally had the courage to join this forum. I thought that since I didn't know anything about homeschooling I didn't have anything to offer. But now that September is fast approaching and I'm still at a lost, I figured I'd better ask for help (there isn't a lot of support where I live).
Blessings,
Lorraine
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marianne
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| Posted: July 15 2007 at 7:23am | IP Logged
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Lorraine,
Congratulations on your decision to homeschool! It will be wonderful for your dd. I am new to Montessori stuff, so I'll let the other ladies help you on the math and LA. The only thing I'd say is that if you homeschool, you will be able to pick and choose which Montessori methods you want to use, and it doesn't have to look like her old school. With a 4.5yo, I would be focusing on lots of good picture books and children's literature (sounds like you're already doing this). Go to the library every week and load up! Keep her imagination going with books, and she will find ways to play at home without you showing her things. Let her help you around the house and do all that practical life stuff for real in the home.
FYI, there is a math program called Right Start Math that is heavily influenced by Montessori. It isn't real Montessori, but uses some of the same materials (abacus, balance, tiles, ect...) and the same discovery based approach. It is scripted, so it tells you what to say (and not say), and there is a lot of support for the teacher in this program. I'm sure you can handle doing a REAL Montessori approach for math, it's probably a matter of just finding the right book to help you, but if you decide to go with a more traditional program, you might want to look into Right Start. (www.alabacus.com)
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AndreaG
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| Posted: July 15 2007 at 7:32am | IP Logged
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Lorraine,
Welcome to this forum! I started homeschooling for the same reason- because I felt the Lord was calling me to do it. I also had serious doubts that I would be able to give my son the education he deserved. It really was a leap of faith to trust that it was God's will for my family and that He would give me the graces necesary.
I use and have used curriculum such as CHC, Righstart math, explode the code, in addition to montessori, especially with my oldest b/c it was hard to keep up with him! Homeschooling is very unique to each family and child- just let the Holy Spirit guide you!
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Andrea
GrayFamilyCircus
Read Through the Catechism in a Year- For Moms!
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Angel
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| Posted: July 15 2007 at 7:55am | IP Logged
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Lorraine,
It is quite natural to feel unsure of yourself when you first start out, but if you and your husband feel called to homeschool, I think you just have to stuff cotton in your ears when school officials and other well-meaning people try to tell you how you're going to ruin your child. Homeschooling for kids like your daughter is a wonderful option because there are no ceilings for them to hit; they can go as far and as fast as they want to. It *is* hard to keep up with them, though!!!
The first thing to do, I think, is to work on not feeling guilty.  Then remember that Montessori is not the only option out there. I think you'll find that most of us on these boards use a mix of methods and materials with our children -- basically whatever works. Also, I think most of us haven't had any Montessori training. We are learning this all on the job. So it can be done.
While you are learning the more advanced presentations, you might just get a math text and work through it using base 10 blocks or Cuisenaire rods. Or do some living math using picture books, internet sites, and math project books. As far as language goes... I like the Montessori reading program because it's so orderly, but it's certainly not the only way to teach a child to read. And if your child is already reading, IMO the *best* thing to do is just to provide BOOKS and lots and lots of reading time, both aloud and individual. You can also start following some rabbit trails/units, doing lots of hands-on projects and crafts, provide lots of paper for writing (if your dd likes that), do lapbooks and notebooks... all of these things promote language skills while also covering subject matter in history, science, etc.
I would recommend having a few sourcebooks or bibliographies on hand as well. I like Rebecca Rupp's Complete Home Learning Sourcebook, even though it hasn't been revised in a while. You can often find the books at the library or used if they're out of print.
Well, that's a start anyway -- and good luck on your adventure!!! It's not always easy, but it's worth it!!!
--Angela
Three Plus Two
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Meredith
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| Posted: July 15 2007 at 10:20am | IP Logged
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Lorraine wrote:
| I'm so glad I finally had the courage to join this forum. I thought that since I didn't know anything about homeschooling I didn't have anything to offer. But now that September is fast approaching and I'm still at a lost, I figured I'd better ask for help (there isn't a lot of support where I live). |
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First of all Welcome Lorraine!!! You have found the most wonderful place to come and learn and share and discover!! We have all gone through what you are experiencing in some form or another and I truly hope we will be a source of support and encouragement for you. I also experienced this with my dd who at the time was attending a very lovely Catholic Preschool and it's funny how the *outside* always think they know what's best for our own children  I have always feolt called to this wonderful sacrifice and lifestyle and I wouldn't change it for the world!
We are a very dedicated group of home educators here and I know you will be assured of your decision, you've made such a big choice and by the grace of God you will do just great!!!
I would recommend the Hainstock books as well and start perusing some of the online albums sources, I'll link the thread later, off to Mass.
Many blessings on your new journey and welcome again!!
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Meredith
Mom of 4 Sweeties
Sweetness and Light
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CatholicMommy
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| Posted: July 15 2007 at 11:40am | IP Logged
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Lorraine wrote:
| BTW, has anyone read and implemented the "Natural Structure" curriculum? I've skimmed through that book, but they do not use the advanced Montessori materials (such as beads). Maybe I can incorporate the art and religion portions? Has anyone used the "Little Stories for Little Folks" series form CHC? I wonder if and how it can be somehow incorporated into the Language Arts curriculum. |
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It has been years since I read "Natural Structure" - before I had my son and was only just browsing, so I don't remember a word of it! I know several people use it as a starting point however and I do recommend it.
LSLF: I have used these with my schoolage tutoring students. I have found they can be easily integrated with Montessori. Instead of using the letter cards that came with it, we used the sandpaper letters (you could potentially just add some glue and sand to the cards in LSLF, instead of letting the child color it in - definitely not purist Montessori, but oh so easy!).
The pictures on the letter cards gave me further ideas for our index word box (full of index cards with pictures starting with each letter, sorted by letter).
The word cards that come with LSLF I have used with the grammar exercises. We use them as they are, cutting them apart, putting together the 'silly' sentences, locating/labelling verbs, nouns, etc. Another idea I had would be to cut them out and paste them onto a slightly larger piece of colored paper for the pink, green, blue word lists (I thought of this after I printed all those lists out already, and I think I like the way we did it better, but I'm just passing on the idea).
That's all I can think of off the top of my head, but I know we did other ways of incorporating the two as well.
Definitely the online albums are a BIG help - you can look over what your daughter already knows and move on from there. I have found lots of way to make most of the materials out of cardboard, paper, cardstock, etc until I had time/money to make things out of felt and such, until I will hopefully eventually have all wood materials - so if money is an issue, PM me for specific ideas. I'd love to share. One of these days I would love to put it all together to post online for everyone!
Our prayers are with you - and you're in good company!
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Eleanor
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| Posted: July 15 2007 at 11:43am | IP Logged
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Hi, Lorraine! Welcome to the group.
Although I've been studying Montessori for a while, and have the NAMC primary training, I'm in a somewhat similar situation. My 3.5-year-old hasn't been to school, but she's catching on to things pretty fast at home, and I'm getting the feeling that she's going to speed through some areas of the basic curriculum. If she does, I'm inclined to doubt that I'll be able to stay ahead of her, since we're expecting a new baby soon and we also have a very active toddler.
We're not really keen on "mixing and matching" different methods at the same time (for me, it just leads to mental and physical clutter), so our fall-back plan is to stick with traditional Montessori for certain subjects, and switch to a much less teacher-intensive method for the others. Personally, I'd put the highest priority on the Montessori math program -- which IMO is one of the greatest strengths of the method -- as well as the sensorial and practical life exercises, which both of your children can share.
For phonics, we've already chosen a back-up in the form of the Alpha Phonics book -- which looks very straightforward -- along with the BOB books, which we're already using as a supplement to Montessori. If we do find it necessary to set aside the Montessori language arts program, I get the sense that we can always go back to it later without causing confusion. I'm sure there are other phonics methods that would also be fine. (We did steer clear of those that teach handwriting along with reading, as this aspect generally isn't done in a Montessori way at all.)
For the cultural subjects (geography, zoology, botany, etc.), we can just read books together, look at pictures, and so on. For religion, we have some lovely materials from CHC, Our Lady of Victory, and our local Catholic bookstore.
If you do end up taking this path, or some other variation on "full Montessori," your little one will still be FAR ahead, academically speaking, compared to what's taught in the standard public or Catholic school kindergarten curriculum. And there will be so many other, less quantifiable, but more significant benefits to having her at home.
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: July 15 2007 at 4:00pm | IP Logged
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Hi Lorraine and welcome to 4Real!
Congratulations on your decision to homeschool. I know lots of folks have been through stages of doubt in the beginning of their journey. Some even have bouts of it after many years of homeschooling. But remember that if the Holy Spirit has led you to this decision, then he will not let you down!He will provide you with the most important gifts you need for this road: wisdom to choose what is right for your child, and courage to see it through!Be sure to ask Him and thank Him for these gifts daily!
I will be using mostly Montessori with my little one, but am not a purist. I think once you get going you can see what combines well and what doesn't for your family. Reading Elizabeth's book, Real Learning is the best thing you can do to get an idea of a beautifully integrated approach to education.
Along with all of the wise recommendations you have already been given, I suggest something a bit different. In order to gain a bit of perspective on what your school directress said about your daughter being "unfinished" you may want to peruse some of the threads on unschooling, read the book "Better Late Than Early" and visit a lot of blogs of successful homeschooling families using many different educational approaches from classical to unit studies to everything under the sun!Then you will see that there is definitely more than one way to skin a cat and why the directress's attitude of "Montessori school or ruin" is so far off the mark.
And please stick around. We all have much to learn from each other!
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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AndreaG
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The Montessori teacher's remark about the child being "unfinished" really needs to be taken in context. I think Montessori schools say things like that b/c it is common for people to send their kids there and not really understand Montessori. So people will put the kids in for preschool and switch to public school for kindergarten, not really getting the whole 3-year cycle thing. This doesn't apply to Lorraine b/c she DOES understand the Montessori Method and will be following those lines at home, doing whatever necesary to ensure her daughter gets the education God wants for her as only a parent can. Of course I agree that children don't need 3 years (or any!) at a montessori school to be "finished" whatever that is, but naturally Montessori teachers are trying to keep kids in their schools so they can get the full benefit of the curriculum. Sadly, most parents do not give the time or interest that homeschooling parents give to their children's education. At least when I was looking into Montessori school, the director seemed thrilled that we were eager to learn (and already had some knowledge of) the philosophy. She said it was a constant struggle to educate the parents about why things were the way they were in the school. Which seemed strange to me, that parents would pay big bucks and not really know why!
And the director of this lovely Montessori school was also very supportive of homeschooling, she said several students went on to be homeschooled after graduating the 3-6 program.
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Andrea
GrayFamilyCircus
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Lorraine
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| Posted: July 15 2007 at 10:56pm | IP Logged
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Dear all,
Thank you so much for all your encouragement and advices. I'm so grateful and almost speechless. I will work on and pray about my guilt and insecurities. I do trust that the Good Lord will guide me through it - I just need to remind myself enough times during the day
I do feel that it will be good to have a mixture of curriculum on top of Montessori. It's just a huge and overwhelming job to look through all that is available out there. I think what I will end up doing, because of the lack of time and experience at this point, is stick with Montessori for Math and Language Arts because both my daughter and I have been most familiar with this approach. Of course, lots of good books to go along with this as many of you recommend. Later on, I will slowly add on/transition to other materials and hopefully my daughter will take to it. I have actually ordered the CHC PreSchool/Kindergarten lesson plan, LSLF, and A Year with God because they just looked so good on the website and their prices are reasonable. I look forward to browsing through them and getting some good ideas.
Thank you all again  . You are so supportive and generous with your time and thoughts. It's so inspiring to see how you have it all together, and that many of you do so with large families too! And here I am with two kids and already at a loss! I have lots to learn!
Lorraine
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4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder
Topic: Advices for a newbie
