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ALmom
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| Posted: June 15 2007 at 1:35am | IP Logged
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Ok, I am slow in this thing and since everyone else has already ordered, I'll ask my question. Who did you order from and were you pleased?
I finally figured out how to put links to my favorites so I clicked on lists of Montessori suppliers from the post I saw and don't have to come back here and hunt for links to get there anymore  .
I've been looking at the materials and drooling. I'm really sold now and trying to reign in my enthusiasm so I think this all through before placing an order bordering on give me one of everything -  .
I've done a few things (not real Montessori but with the idea of seeing how well ds 4 responded to some of this Montessorish type stuff). He is taking off, his face is beaming every morning when we talk about his work. (I have 3 things out - a puzzle of the Good Shepherd, a peg and numbers thing with numbers 1 - 6 in the tray at the moment, each number written on a sturdy board with an equal number of holes for pegs to go in and my dh old wooden, stackable ring toy where rings stack largest to smallest). None of these things are true Montessori and I doubt I've even been that great at presentations (tend to talk too much  ) but ds is absolutely loving this, goes back to that room over and over and has to show me how well he has done whichever of the 3 he has chosen. He even is fairly good at putting things back and trying to put pieces on the ring quietly. Now that I'm reading more and more about the actual materials, well, I just cannot imagine how intent he'll get as the whole thing just makes so much sense. Boy I wish I knew how to do this when my oldest were smaller.
Anyways, I know MacFam had minor problems from Alison's Montessori with a few knobbed cylinders sticking. Someone else said something about sandpaper letters from somewhere being a problem. I've been reading like crazy and think I'm beginning to get a handle on what I want to get for the youngers - but still trying to figure out what to do for olders. Anyways my goal is to try and get my order (s) in before the discounts disappear. I might as well benefit from your experience with various places, so hopefully you don't mind me asking.
It seems like there may be some things you prefer from one place or another and other things it is wherever the price is best. I'm trying to get a feel for this as this is a significant investment and my youngest is already 4 (almost 5).
Janet
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Mackfam
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| Posted: June 15 2007 at 6:17am | IP Logged
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ALmom wrote:
I know MacFam had minor problems from Alison's Montessori with a few knobbed cylinders sticking.
Janet |
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Jan - It wasn't Alison's - it was KidAdvance!! I wanted to clear that up since from all I've heard Alison's has been just great to people. I ordered from 2 places - KidAdvance and Montessori Concepts. Both have offered the best prices and good customer service. Alison's sounds terrific though, unbeatable customer service!
Gotta go get everyone ready for Mass - Happy Feast of the Sacred Heart!
I'll check in later.
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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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lapazfarm
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| Posted: June 15 2007 at 8:58am | IP Logged
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I've ordered from Alisons, Montessori Outlet, and Montessori and Such.
The quality and customer service of all three are outstanding.
I am especially impressed with the quality of Montessori Outlet. They are just really gorgeous. I read on their website that they recently upgraded all of their items to "premium quality," whatever that means, and have discontinued their outlet quality line. All I know is that they are pretty!
An example: You know how Melissa and Doug items come in those neat wooden boxes? But those boxes are just unfinished wood? The boxes from MO are gorgeous, finished, and shiny smooth! Just the boxes alone are impressive, not to mention the contents!LOL!Now, that may seem unimportant, but my kids have been drawn to them like jewelry boxes, just aching to see what treasure is inside!
But perhaps the boxes at the other places are just as nice. I didn't order any of that type thing from the other suppliers.
BUT some items are on back order from them, so if you need it ASAP, you should call and ask if they are ready or not. They told me they would be shipping mid-july for the remainder of my items.
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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Meredith
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| Posted: June 15 2007 at 10:46am | IP Logged
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Janet, so far I have ordered from Alison's, Montessori Concepts and will be placing my Kid Advance order today  I have been extremely pleased and impressed withthe level of customer service and attention to detail with all of these. I just don't see how you could go wrong with any of them. I also will order a few things from Montessori Outlet, but need to check on the items like Theresa mentioned for BO info!!
HTH and have fun discerning what is going to work for you all!
Blessings!
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Meredith
Mom of 4 Sweeties
Sweetness and Light
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Mackfam
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| Posted: June 15 2007 at 12:30pm | IP Logged
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I ordered from KidAdvance, Montessori Concepts, and Montessori Services. I'm pleased with all I've been able to get. If, like Erin, a happy and unexpected little check arrives in my mailbox (right, like that'll happen - but a girl can dream ) I will be purchasing the one set of items that I really wanted, but had to put back because I had already spent my budget, the geography cabinet from Alison's.
Have fun shopping!
__________________
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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4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder
Topic: Montessori materials.
