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ann@home
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| Posted: June 21 2007 at 6:17pm | IP Logged
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I've overwhelmed myself recently with Montessori and realize I need to stop and restart a little slower.
My only background with M is that my son went to a M preschool when he was 5 and it was wonderful for him. It was a "true" M school the directress was incredible. I incorporated a few life skills activities at home like the pouring, sorting, cleaning with my then 2 yr old. I used the sandpaper letters with son and that was key for him.
We then moved and my son went to public K and Montessori was forgotten I'm sad to say.
Fast forward 3 yrs....
Now my oldest son is 8, DD is almost 6, and I have a VERY active 2 yr old son.
This is our 2nd yr hsing and I really think my toddler could benefit from M methods, as well as the older ones.
I've picked up a few books on Montessori but they jump right into the activities/lessons.
I've read some great blogs for ideas, but need the background first to make it all fit in place.
I'm going to start Karen's yahoo group class in a few weeks but need to be better prepared for it so I can really benefit from it.
Tell me where to go/books that will start me at the beginning again.
(added to post)
I guess my biggest thing is how to organize it (being a Montessori way of teaching) in my head and then to transfer that to our day.
Then when/how to decide which "tools" are priorities for all the kids and each individually.
Thanks!
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Ann, Full-time Mama of a 10yr old Lego master, 7yr old DIVA, 4yr old King of the Mountain and one more in June '09!
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Mackfam
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| Posted: June 21 2007 at 7:50pm | IP Logged
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Hi Ann, Meredith and I are in the July 1 class too. There might be others around here in it as well. Won't that be fun?! 
Our kids are about the same ages - we have a 10 (almost 11) yo dd, a 6yo ds, and a 2yo. It does make for a bit of a challenge when it comes to incorporating Montessori into 3 age groups, but it can be done. We've been incorporating some Montessori from the beginning - some 10 years ago. But, this past year and a half or so has taken me on a tremendous journey to try to commit more to Montessori, and to incorporate a few more materials in our home.
Let's see where to tell you to start.
My favorite books by far have been Elizabeth Hainstock's Teaching Montessori in the Home: Preschooland Teaching Montessori in the Home: School Years(which by the way is out of print, but so worth it if you can find a copy. I also really liked Montessori In Her Own Words. And, I haven't read it but I've heard that David Gettman's Basic Montessori is quite helpful. I have other books, but I don't want to overwhelm with you with information, and I mention these because it seems from your post above that you're looking for Maria's basic philosophy which is really quite beautiful and simple - the dignity of the child, freedom within limits, concrete before abstract, attractive materials, the teacher is the directress, a guide if you will.
Also, you've probably seen this, but Angela suggested a book discussion using Montessori in the Classroom by Paula Polk. From all accounts, that sounds like a great book. Think we're starting that discussion around July 1 when everyone is back from vacation.
See if you can't check out a few of those from the library for a start. There are just so many websites and materials sites that I chose not to mention them because they can be too overwhelming I think all at once. Just in case you have missed our love for her though...I will mention Lori at Montessori For Everyone. I bet you've already been there though since you mention visiting blogs, but just in case...
HTH  Can't wait for our class!
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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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ann@home
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| Posted: June 21 2007 at 7:59pm | IP Logged
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Thank you for the info. I think I mostly needed to stop and take a deep breath and just take 1 step at time
We tell our kids to take it slow but moms usually don't take their own advice 
I got so caught up in jumping right in that I got all tied up in different directions and went "ahhhhh!"
I will pick up one of those books-thanks again.
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Ann, Full-time Mama of a 10yr old Lego master, 7yr old DIVA, 4yr old King of the Mountain and one more in June '09!
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SeaStar
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| Posted: June 21 2007 at 8:03pm | IP Logged
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I think that has happened to a lot of us- you get caught up in how neat everything is and want to do it all NOW, then get overwhelmed. I have also signed up for the July 1st class- maybe it will all make better sense for us going step by step with Karen.
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
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Mackfam
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| Posted: June 21 2007 at 8:47pm | IP Logged
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Oh Ann - I can sooo relate!!! You're right - deep breaths, relax, focus on one topic at a time. Many hugs! 
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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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CatholicMommy
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| Posted: June 21 2007 at 10:27pm | IP Logged
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Elizabeth Hainstock also has a book that I can't recall the title of (we are packing to move to MN in a few weeks and it's packed away already): the Essential Montessori or something like that? I can't even remember how "good" it is as far as answering basic questions as it's been a while since I've read it, but thought I'd pass along the title in case it's of any use.
Enjoy the course everyone - if I don't get into AMI Montessori training this coming year, I will likely be joining you online! I really want some type of guide that's more organized than what I've been doing. :)
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Jordan
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| Posted: June 22 2007 at 6:09am | IP Logged
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Can someone steer me in the direction of Karen's Yahoo group? I would be very interested in checking that out.
Thanks 
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Jordan
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Mackfam
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| Posted: June 22 2007 at 7:11am | IP Logged
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Sure Jordan - You can find out a little from her website here: Montessori Marketplace - just click on Teacher Training on the left. Her actual class takes place on a yahoo groups site right here. I believe you can sign up and the first month is free as a trial. The actual cost of the class is $30 which includes the albums. Hope to see you there soon!
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Jen Mackintosh
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Wildflowers and Marbles
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Jordan
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| Posted: June 22 2007 at 3:02pm | IP Logged
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Thanks, Jennifer. I just emailed Karen and I think I'm going to sign up too.
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Jordan
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Mackfam
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| Posted: June 22 2007 at 8:14pm | IP Logged
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Oh how fun - a tidal wave of 4Real-ers in her class!!
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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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Cindy Mac
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| Posted: June 25 2007 at 3:45pm | IP Logged
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I just signed up last night for her July 1st class as well!
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Cindy - wife to Chris, mommy to my 4 sons!
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: June 25 2007 at 4:59pm | IP Logged
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Oh, I am jealous (or at least as jealous as someone vacationing in Alaska CAN be!LOL!) You will have to keep me informed so you don't all leave me in the dust with your new-found Montessori wisdom!LOL!
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Theresa
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Kim F
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| Posted: June 28 2007 at 2:17pm | IP Logged
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I signed up too for grins. : )
I would recommend How to Raise an Amazing Child by Montessori Research and Development's Tim Seldin. It is not an intensive how to but rather an overview of setting up a Montessori home and family enviroment with some basic ideology thrown in. The images are very nice. I prefer show to tell so often <g>
Kim
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ann@home
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| Posted: June 28 2007 at 2:30pm | IP Logged
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Thank you everyone, I have many of these books on hold at the library and have started reading 2 of them (I have 5 bks going right now-yikes!)
I posted to Karen's yahoo group to see what she would suggest as well but I won't be surprised if it's the same things listed here.
I wish I had more time to read the great blogs-they are wonderful.
thanks!
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Ann, Full-time Mama of a 10yr old Lego master, 7yr old DIVA, 4yr old King of the Mountain and one more in June '09!
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4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder
Topic: Tell me where to start!
