The Montessori Method of homeschooling aims to follow the standards created by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s. She believed in creating an environment that encouraged self-directed learning opportunities through hands-on, play-based activities. It focuses on experiences, not being taught.
Dr. Montessori set up a series of standards and expectations for students in her classes, such as:
- An Environment of Learning.
- a whole room of activities that a child can pick from throughout the day, in whatever order they want.
- a place where children can focus and concentrate on things they have chosen
- space for children to work independently and collaboratively
- encouraging of independence and self-interest
- Multi-aged Classrooms
- allowing for younger students to learn from and model older students
- peer socialization
- Quality, Hands-on Materials
- tactile and sensory-based
- child-sized
- limited access to technology
- self-correcting
Montessori curriculum focuses on 5 main areas: Practical Life Skills, Mathematics, Sensory, Language, and Culture & Science.
Take a peek at a Montessori Daily Schedule for one family.
Montessori Benefits
- Allows children to really focus on independence.
- Children learn well because they are doing things that interest them.
- It’s a neat and tidy environment.
- The multi-age classroom idea works well with families that have multiple children
- It follows a child’s skill level instead of a specific curriculum checklist
Montessori Disadvantages
- Involves a lot of parental planning and prep to set up centres
- It’s specifically designed for younger children, such as preschool and early elementary and may not be able to be used at higher ages as easily.
- This approach is more intentional and doesn’t really allow for much imaginative play, instead using focused activities for play
- Manipulatives can be quite costly
- For some people, it can be hard to know what your child should know when because it doesn’t use a specific curriculum
Examples of Montessori Curriculum
Recommended Resources
Where To Buy Montessori Resources in Canada
Montessori Blogs
Wondering about other homeschooling methods? Follow along in this 10-day series.
Owner at The Canadian Homeschooler
Lisa Marie Fletcher is a mom of 5 with 15+ years of homeschooling experience. She started The Canadian Homeschooler in 2010 as a way to support the homeschooling community in Canada.
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Thank you for sharing this great information, and for sharing our site and books!
Hello,
Great write up…
This is very informative and helpful.
Thanks a ton….