4Real Forums: Big and basic questions

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Nurturing the Years of Wonder
4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder

Topic: Big and basic questions

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doris
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Joined: April 24 2006
Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Aug 14 2006 at 4:04pm \| IP Logged

Hello

I'm a newbie from the UK with dc aged 5, 4 and 2.

Background: I didn't really use Montessori much with my eldest dd (nearly 6) as she was familiar with all the letter sounds after her, ahem, half term at school. My 4 yr old ds is technically school age from sept (although only legally so from next sept) and I am interested in using more Montessori methods with him.

I've read 'Montessori Read and Write' and 'Montessori Play and Learn' and made a few basic materials myself, but I don't have time or inclination to make loads of other things. Nor can I afford the hundreds of pounds apparently necessary to kit ourselves out from some of the Montessori websites.

So -- any advice on using Montessori in a home setting? Essential versus dispensable kit? How to go about it?

Big and vague questions, but any advice gratefully received.

Elizabeth

Katie
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Joined: March 11 2005
Location: Suriname
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Posted: Aug 19 2006 at 7:06am \| IP Logged

Elizabeth,

I don't know how much help I'll be, but I wanted to say "Hello" from a fellow Brit. Welcome!

If you go through the posts on this forum, you'll find links to various websites and Yahoo groups which specialize in making Montessori materials at home. Here are a couple to get you started:

JMJ Publishing
Montessori material makers

Also, check Ebay for items you would rather purchase than make. I often see British sellers on there when I am looking for something specific.

With the ages of your children, I would concentrate on making some sensorial materials (and I know there was a great thread here with tons of ideas for doing this for next to nothing), some practical life work (though you may cover lots of this in your home anyway), and then maybe language introduction materials like sandpaper letters, and beginning maths materials, like red/blue rods, sandpaper numbers and counters.

When I'm overwhelmed and don't know what to do/make/buy next, I often remind myself to focus on what the children need or want to learn next, and go from there.

HTH a little!

PS. Where are you in the UK? Sorry, just nosey.

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Mother of 5 in South America. No 6 due in April.

Kim F
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Joined: Feb 03 2005
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Posted: Aug 19 2006 at 9:19am \| IP Logged

I have uploaded tons of links and bks on my blog that may help. We LOVE Montessori but a big goal in my life is to show there are lots of ways to skin this cat lol! Check out the photo links for pics of people's home enviroments. This one montessori home school is a favorite. Some traditonal materials and many more alternatives. This one: a montessori home has images of a very regular home designed with Montessori principles in mind.

You don't need lots of stuff though regardless. If you read the Hainstock bks you will see very little is actually required. And even then bks like Montessori for Parents (Fisher) help you understand the purpose of the materials and then you can creatively see what in already in your hand that would work as well. Many household items serve the same purposes.

The underlying premise is freedom within limits. You are striving for order and self discipline. Observation of the children helps you remain sensitive to their changing needs. Establishing those characteristics in ourselves goes farther than any material purchases we can ever make. It is more about helping them to be independent by providing them with the skills they need. Not forcing independence but facilitating their development.

Kim

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mumofsix
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Joined: April 07 2005
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Posted: Aug 20 2006 at 11:47pm \| IP Logged

Elizabeth - have you discovered the Montessori materials from Our Father's House? The Montessori religious education albums written by Moira Farrell and the miniature Mass Kit and miniature vestments are really precious. Not only are they useful in religious education per se, but they enhance a child's spiritual life. I know that sounds like a big claim, but they really do.

Julia Fogassy does ship to England and the prices are very reasonable.

Jane.

doris
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Joined: April 24 2006
Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Aug 21 2006 at 5:30am \| IP Logged

Thanks to all for helpful suggestions. Lots to investigate and ponder here.

By the way, I'm in drizzly London...

Elizabeth

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