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Connections
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| Posted: Aug 30 2008 at 12:53pm | IP Logged
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I have decided to dedicate a space of our home to a learning room and provide more hands-on activities and choices for my boys. I would call it Montessori inspired. I want them to have choices and freedom within limits. I want them to work independently and feel the satisfaction of completing something, figuring something out, etc. I want them to dedicate a portion of the day to concentrated academic efforts.
We will continue with lots of literature and read alouds. My DS7 learns SO MUCH through independent reading. He can really use some hands-on activites each day. My DS6 loves hands-on projects and this will benefit him greatly as well (but for different reasons).
I have found in the past when I prepare a hands-on activity and say, "OK, now we are going to do X" I often end up with one on board and one deciding he is not interested at that time. Even though they participate, it does not end up inspiring them the way I had hoped. Which has lead me to stop trying the hands-on approach. I think the Montessori approach allowing for choice is a great alternative for us.
In the past, I have been acquiring resources and activities but not utilizing them enough (some, not at all). I hope that the dedicated space and time will change that.
I am working through what I hope they will gain from the activities so that I can better choose which activities to include (there are so many wonderful options).
I am looking for any advice and/or inspiration in undertaking this new approach.
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Blessings,
Tracey
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Sept 02 2008 at 3:58pm | IP Logged
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Tracey,
It sounds like you're well on your way to setting up a wonderful learning room!
So much of it is trial and error and beyond that is dependent on what each individual child is in need of or sensitive to at any given time. I'd just say have a variety to offer, but don't overwhelm all at once. Set out one thing at a time after you're clear about your expectations (either through a formal presentation or your own instructions). If one child is interested and another isn't - that's fine. Keep plugging away until you find the activities that each child is in need of.
Set out a reasonable variety both in quantity and subject matter. It's hard to say what that is, it varies from child to child, family to family. I try to keep out enough to provide a richness in choices...walking the tightrope between too little (= bored) and too much (= overwhelmed). I rotate materials out of the learning room, off the shelves and into my (locked  ) rotation closet if a material is being abused or misused.
Not sure if this answers your question at all, Tracey...and not sure how far into Montessori you're going??? Some families approach it in a very relaxed way using it very loosely, and some families tend to a more focused, Montessori only approach. Neither is more right - each family translates Montessori into their individual homes and finds the right balance for their family. I mention this because I'm not sure where you fall on the spectrum and your question is a very general one with a broad scope.
I have personally found that the more I bring Montessori choice time into my home for all of my children, the more rewards it brings. I have to warn you, it is pretty front loaded with a lot of teacher/mom preparation and organization. Big payoffs though.
Have I missed it totally? 
__________________
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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Connections
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| Posted: Sept 02 2008 at 6:23pm | IP Logged
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Jennifer- You are right on! Thanks for the advice.
I appreciate your trial and error comment. So often, I want things "just right" (whatever that means). I can get discouraged when things don't "take off" the way I intended. Knowing ahead of time that trial and error are a part of things should help. I am trying to focus on knowing the child. It is hard sometimes. I find myself wanting the ease of following a prescribed course (or album). But just as I have found I cannot use an out of the box curriculum here, I also realize I cannot follow a set of Montessori albums here. It all takes tweaking (especailly when starting in the middle) and figuring out where the child is and how to meet them there.
No one said homeschooling and parenting would be easy,
right?
Is this right- First, I need to focus on what my children need and then (through trial and error), concentrate on the materials.
Finding the balance and rotating the materials reminds me that this is an ongoing process and is not something that I can design all at once.
I guess the materials themselves are not magic. It will take work to pull off an environment that allows for these types of choices.
Your statement about "Big payoffs though" if why I am dedicating the space and energy here.
Thanks so much for replying.
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Sept 03 2008 at 6:01pm | IP Logged
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Connections wrote:
Is this right- First, I need to focus on what my children need and then (through trial and error), concentrate on the materials. |
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Well...yes and no. There are some universals - a lot of Montessori practical life work is easily set up in the home - a tray to polish those brass candlestick holders you haven't taken out since you received them for your wedding, a little area dedicated for a small broom, a small table with a vase and some inexpensive fresh flowers for flower arranging. Anything scoop and sort is a huge hit. Almost everything I use in the practical life area either came from my home or a thrift store. I was thoughtful about what I purchased or set out in terms of beauty and ability to function well (if you buy a small pitcher you'll want it to pour without dripping). I found a number of pretty but discarded trays at the thrift store made of wood, brass and silver that I use to set out materials. I really like Elizabeth Hainstock bboks for ideas in every subject. Anyway, you start with a little and then observe your child. Are they interested, concentrating, immersed in the work? You've hit it out of the park! Are they bored, not engaged, not able to use the materials in the way you intended? This must not be what they need right now - time to tweak and adjust. Set out something different.
Connections wrote:
| Finding the balance and rotating the materials reminds me that this is an ongoing process and is not something that I can design all at once. |
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Yes. Using Montessori in the home really is an evolving process. There is a balance - and it isn't found (in my experience) until you're a few months in and sort of settling into a workable rhythm. You set out work for your child that allows them the opportunity to make a connection, learn something in an independent way. But the work is not done then. You observe - make adjustments if necessary. It's not that using Montessori is so contrived, it's that you're trying to allow for and present an environment that is beautiful and inviting - that allows the child to learn in a way that is independent. This does take some work on your part. The material you set out is a tool that facilitates that connection. As you observe, you must ask yourself if the material is getting in the way of the connection at all? are you in the way?
Connections wrote:
| I guess the materials themselves are not magic. It will take work to pull off an environment that allows for these types of choices. |
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No, they're not magic, but they have been very, very thoughtfully designed by Maria Montessori. You'll notice if you flip through a Montessori catalog that materials are beautiful, simple in their design, lovely to touch, inviting. I'm not advocating a $$$ heavy purchase of materials, but I am pointing out that they are the way they are for a reason...consider that when you interpret and implement a material in your home. It can be done. I have a combination of homemade and some bargain Montessori materials in my home. Keep your environment uncluttered, simple, thoughtful, logical in the way you place materials, beautiful...and then be prepared to re-think your well-thought-out environment when your children illustrate to you all the gaps and holes you forgot to fill or didn't anticipate.
It is more than anything a beautiful communication between student and parent...they indicate their needs through their behavior and how they work (or don't) with a material, you have some guidance and ideas based on their age and temperament, materials are set out, you observe and set out or remove materials based on cues your child gives. I find it a beautiful way to facilitate learning in my home.
__________________
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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Connections
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| Posted: Sept 03 2008 at 7:27pm | IP Logged
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Jennifer-
Thanks, again, for a thoughtful and thorough response.
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Blessings,
Tracey
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Montessori/hands-on advice
