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Our choice to homeschool has been predetermined many years ago. I’ve spent hours meditating on this decision, thinking of the best ways to implement the Montessori approach and self-directed learning in the home environment. I have to say, only this year after my daughter turned 5, I realize that this is precisely what I was dreaming about and even more.

Homeschooling has become such an essential part of me, as a mum, my place to escape for a short period of three days a week from all other responsibilities and enjoy one-on-one time with my children.
I love the creative side of it – preparation of activities, being able to observe and connect with children, understand their passion, and watch them be, develop, learn, and explore.
I found it very hard to truly connect on a daily basis when attending to other things – working from home or doing house chores. However, when we are together in that shared space when our thoughts and focus are all centered, we, in fact, are together.
Below are a few snippets of some of the activities we’ve done with my 5yo daughter. I try to cover as many areas as possible, but we are never in a rush. I feel that it is still essential for the child to have plenty of time for playing, reading, and listening to the stories.
I aim to create as many opportunities for open-ended play as possible. To balance out the time we spend at home she has music and swimming lesson and attends a local forest school.
Montessori classroom structure is reflected in our home environment which helps to organize and plan the learning process. The primary areas we focus on are Practical Life, Fine Motor, Language, Math, Geography, Science, and Art.
Practical Life
Practical life activities are centered around learning to master everyday skills that assist the child to become more self-sufficient. As children grow and develop, practical life experiences lay a solid foundation for them to become masters of their free time. They do not rely on parents and others to organize and fill it in. Learning to be independent early on in life enables them to have zero time for boredom.
I can honestly say I have not seen my daughter looks like she is bored. From the moment she wakes up her hands are busy, whether it is drawing, playing with LEGO, preparing a snack, or reading. This is why my primary goal is to teach as many skills as possible so she can master them in her own time. I am talking about such things as weaving, sewing, cooking, gardening, etc.

Fine Motor


Language

Reading practice using Montessori Nature printable cards – Rhyming Words – Montessori Pink, Blue and Green Series.

We work with the moveable alphabet practically every day at this stage. In this picture, after learning about different types of transportation Blossom used it to construct words. Montessori three-part cards are great for incorporating into work with the moveable alphabet since it allows an opportunity for the child to do a self-assessment at the end and correct all mistakes without an adult’s assistance.


Rhyme match-up activity – identifying two rhyming words with Rhyming Words – Montessori Pink, Blue, and Green Series. I have noticed that children enjoy playing rhyming games, and was not surprised to see that this printable was a big hit with my daughter.
Math

Mirror often replaces playmat as it creates additional dimension, especially when it comes to loose part play and play with shapes. An acrylic mirror is the best option for children to be able to play safely. Wooden pattern blocks are brilliant for creative, open-ended play. My daughter plays with them on a daily basis.


One-to-one correspondence activity – identifying the missing number.

I am very particular about the materials that I purchase. There are a couple of Montessori math materials that we’ve been using a lot of teaching a variety of different mathematical concepts. For example, the hundred board, small number rods, and math beads.
Art
With only three days of Montessori work a week, there is quite a bit of time left for working on art projects. I included just a couple of examples in this post. I also plan to incorporate more media and various projects in the future.

After reading one of our favorite books “Words are like faces“, Blossom decided to “paint” some words she came up with for the activity.

Science

After planting seeds, it is always a good idea to do a follow-up activity. Here Blossom is working with a sheet from Play Life Cycle printable.

This is a simple activity creating the Solar System model with play-dough following our visit to an Astronomy observatory one night and reading heaps of books about Space.

After observing water take different forms, we used LEGO for a hands-on activity to explain how molecule structure changes, and why we see the water turn into ice or gas. The concept is simple enough, but the topic is a bit advanced for a primary student. This is something we will be coming back to talk about in the future.

Nature Play
Sometimes Blossom insists on taking our learning outdoors. I pack up a minimum amount of materials we may need to do activities, and we play it by ear, mostly looking for spontaneous learning opportunities. There is always plenty to choose from in the natural environment.







We love discovering different shapes and forms presented in nature. Nature walk offers excellent opportunities to collect different leaves. Later we look at them and their structure at home. The next follow-up activity is to find out what types of trees they belong to and create “My Leaf Book”.

Having a collection of children’s activity books to access whenever they would like to get inspiration to make something interesting can be quite handy.
You may also like to check out my post on Hands-On Montessori Homeschool Activities For A 4-Year-Old.
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Are you feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start? Join this guide to Montessori-inspired homeschool to ease into homeschooling with confidence.

Homeschool Simplified
Homeschool Learning Resources, ACTIVITIES AND GAMES FOR 3-5-YEAR-OLDS
Back to School Learning Activities Bundle Preschool and Kindergarten
Back to School learning resources with hands-on activities gathered in one bundle. This bundle includes materials that help develop skills to support the main areas of a child's development - language, math, geography, fine motor, social-emotional, organizational skills, and sensorial. It fosters creativity and logical thinking and prompts moments of deeper concentration. The materials are suitable for use in a classroom setting at school or childcare and in the homeschool setting. It contains tools to help children transition and settle well into their classroom and support the development of their executive functioning skills. You will find many materials to include in your All About Me unit, editable name tracing printouts, and tools to help you organize your classroom such as a Linear calendar and Mobile calendar to start the day. Editable and Homeschool teacher planners are also included. The bundle contains language resources for learning to identify initial sounds and CVC words, and math hands-on resources for teaching basic mathematical concepts.
Chore Chart Editable In PDF Form for Children
Chore Charts for children of different ages
Fifty-six visual and thirty-six non-visual chore cards
Blank rounds and editable blank chore cards to add your chores to the list
Different chore board designs to choose from
Editable Homeschool Planner for Montessori Families
Editable and customizable homeschool planner with daily and weekly planner templates for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and lower elementary students based on key areas of Montessori scope and sequence. It can be used by families internationally with the option to choose Jan-Dec or Aug – July academic year.
Calendar Mobile for Children in Watercolor with Moon Phases Montessori
This calendar will be a beautiful addition to your classroom! It is a wonderful help for your calendar morning routine.
Seasonal Hands-On Activities for Montessori 3-6 Classroom Bundle
Seasonal printables were designed specifically for Montessori classrooms with a large variety of activities that cover different learning areas, such as geography, math – one-to-one correspondence, language – identifying the initial sound, reading, sight words recognition, classification, fine motor practice for students aged 3-6.
Montessori Editable Linear Calendar | Northern Hemisphere
Introduce your students to the concept of years, months, days, and seasons. Children can explore the passage of time with the help of the linear calendar for the Northern Hemisphere.
I Have Who Has Math Games Bundle
I Have, Who Has? Math Games help reinforce valuable lessons and math concepts whilst capturing students’ attention, focus and concentration in a fun and engaging way. Students will be learning while having fun and playing math games with their peers in pairs, in small and large groups. Once students are familiar with the subjects, these cards can be also used as an individual activity to review important math concepts.
Nature Curriculum in Cards Ever Growing Bundle
Nature Curriculum in Cards is an ever-growing bundle with resources that cover major Botany, Zoology, and Geography subjects, plus also includes Nature-Themed Early Learning resources.
Safari TOOB and Toy-Matching 3-Part Cards | Montessori | Editable
Early Learning Bundle with 40 printable sets that contain 3-Part Cards for an object-to-picture matching activity. Sets are designed to match the classroom favorites – Safari TOOB figures. Use in any language. All sets include an editable PowerPoint file. Types labels in your own language and print.
Emotions and Feelings - Printable Activities
I was always passionate about teaching children to understand their emotions and being empathetic towards each other. It inspired me to create this teaching resource.
A Tour of Summer's Homeschool Learning Environment
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Homeschooling isn’t a new concept, but it sure has gained momentum over the last few years. But, is it effective? What does the research say?
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Some of the Best Montessori Resources and Materials for Teachers and Parents
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Nature Display in Homeschool Setting
Setting up a nature display in a classroom or homeschool learning space can be very beneficial. Not every child enjoys going out in nature.
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Outdoor Activities for Children with Free Seven-Day Planner
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Free One Week Planner for Preschool Children With Low Prep Hands-on Activities
Having a plan at hand, especially during uncertain times, can only benefit busy and overwhelmed parents. Sometimes parents can be going through a period of transitioning when they work on establishing new homeschooling routine.
Homeschooling - the Reality of it All Amid a Pandemic. Free Resources for Parents
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One Day in the Life of a Homeschooling Family
Do you wonder sometimes what a day in the life of another homeschooling family may look like? Unless you are a part of a dynamic and large homeschooling community, you may not have time or energy to connect with others on a regular basis to discuss your routines and timetable.
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When a family decides to take a route less traveled to homeschool their children the number of questions and choices you have to make is staggering and overwhelming. The list is never-ending – from what approach to take to how to manage household and expenses on one income, and of course, there is socialization.
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Enhancing Learning With Movement - Brain Gym For Kids
The connection between movement and learning is one of the central topics among brain researchers and educators. Maria Montessori has discovered this connection many years ago.
Homeschooling Preschooler The Montessori Way
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It is not a secret that the child needs stability in life in order to feel secure. Order in life creates inner order and peace, something that lays the foundation for successful learning, smooth transitions, and a happy kid. One of the first tasks for homeschoolers is to establish their own rhythm, and set up a daily schedule that is the backbone of the whole process.
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5 Reasons To Own Montessori Materials at Home.
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Mama, Why Am I Homeschooled?
It’s a question that nearly every homeschooled child asks at some point. With its delightful, hand-painted illustrations and rhythmic structure, this charming book shows readers how they can learn scholastic skills through everyday life.
Sometimes, ditching the desk makes all the difference. In choosing to homeschool, your family gains the freedom to learn while snuggled up in a porch swing. Science lessons can take place in the garden. Math facts can be mastered in a grocery aisle. Days are spent in the company of loving family. The school bell doesn’t ring until tired eyes are amply rested. The homeschool life is a simpler life. Written in patterned poetic prose, this book showcases a few of the delights that come with the decision to homeschool.

Montessori Homeschooling, One Family's Story
A fifteen-year experience of day-by-day, year-by-year, learning how to create an authentic Montessori education at home through elementary, middle, and high school. The main guide or teacher during these years had taken AMI teacher training courses for 0-3, 3-6, and 6-12 and had taught for many years. Even though this is not to be thought of as an instruction manual for Montessori homeschooling it is hoped that the book will be helpful for parents and teachers wanting to understand the value of a unique educational path, rather than thinking that all children should be educated exactly the same way (in both traditional and Montessori schools). The idea is “following the child.”Also I hope it will help growing children and young adults feel that their own choices, their own individuality, can be respected. I believe that unique and creative educational paths such as this one will help solve the problems of the future.

Absolutely Everything!: A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention
Discover how history, nature, and science connect in this fast-paced, entertaining, and incredibly informative history of the world, from the beginning of time to the present day.
How was our universe made from a tiny speck of energy? Where did the first trees, plants, animals, and humans come from? What happened to the dinosaurs? What was so miserable about medieval times? How were railroads and electricity invented? What are the perils of global warming?

Montessori Math Workbook: A Hands-On Approach to Early Mathematics (Primary Book 1)
A hands-on open-and-go Montessori math curriculum. Use as a supplement to traditional, physical Montessori math materials OR as a stand-alone math curriculum. Montessori math sets a firm foundation in concrete principles before slowly progressing into abstraction. This workbook uniquely takes the Montessori concrete materials and puts them on paper, so your child can sit with a pencil, scissors, and glue, and concretely manipulate, touch, and visualize numbers, creating a strong math foundation using just this workbook.

Montessori Reading Workbook: A LEARN TO READ activity book with Montessori reading tools (Montessori Activity Books for Home and School)
This is a learn to read book for kids 3-5 and5-7. Each age group will use the book in a slightly different way. The first group will be able to work with the help of an adult, while the older group can start the Montessori reading series mostly on their own, as they will be able to cut, paste and color most of the reading activities by themselves.

Montessori Math Workbook | Number Concepts, Golden Beads, Colored Bead Bars, Arithmetics: Math Activity Workbook
Number Concepts - number rods, cards and counters and one to one association
Golden Beads - introduction and arithmetics with golden beads
Linear Counting - bead bars, teens, tens, skip counting, hundred board
Arithmetics - addition, multiplication, subtraction and division

Easy Wood Carving for Children: Fun Whittling Projects for Adventurous Kids
Looking for an outdoor hobby to engage your children and encourage them to be crafty and creative? Wood carving is not only easy to learn and fun to do, but almost everything you need to get started can be found for free -- right outside your door!
Together you can craft a tumbling tower game, a racing car toy, a dolphin necklace or even a handy coat hook! With more than fifty activities at levels for beginners and up, children can create something useful, beautiful or fun (often all three!) out of wood.

Science Experiments You Can Eat
Kids take the reins in the kitchen with this hands-on book of edible science experiments! With revised and updated material, a brand-new look, and hours of innovative, educational experiments, this science classic by award-winning author Vicki Cobb will be devoured by a whole new generation of readers.
Combine with such books as Awesome Science Experiments for Kids to help junior scientists continue their learning, whether at home or in a classroom.

The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedia
This beautiful art encyclopedia charts the evolution of the greatest cultural achievements in painting, sculpture, and photography.
The greatest art exhibition at your fingertips! Packed with fascinating facts, clear explanations, and stunning photography, this awe-inspiring art encyclopedia for kids aged 9-12 years takes you on a magical tour through time exploring every artistic style and movement in stunning detail. From Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Mona Lisa to Vincent van Gogh's spectacular The Starry Night, this art history book celebrates the lives of groundbreaking artists and their most famous art masterpieces.

The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
View Kindle Edition
Publishers Weekly bestseller · A joyful and accessible homeschool guide to making learning a part of everyday life
Parents who are deeply invested in their children's education can be hard on themselves and their kids. When exhausted parents are living the day-to-day grind, it can seem impossible to muster enough energy to make learning fun or interesting. How do parents nurture a love of learning amid childhood chaos, parental self-doubt, the flu, and state academic standards?

i-Poster My World Interactive Map - Educational Talking Toy for Kids of Ages 5 to 12 Years Old
MULTI AWARDS WINNING FUN LEARNING TOY - Family Choice, Mom's Choice Gold Metal & Tillywig Brain Child Award Winner 2018, and Creative Child Kids Product of the Year Winner 2019! The most popular interactive smart educational talking world map poster.

Continent Race Geography Learning Educational Game for Kids 7 Years and Up Trivia Card Board Game for Family Activities, Game Night by Byron’s Games Award Winning
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ShillerLearning Math Kit I - Homeschool Montessori Math Curriculum - (Pre-K to 3rd Gr)
The ShillerLearning Math Kit I - everything you need in a single box! No lesson preparation required by parents!
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SolarQuest The Space-Age Real Estate Game: Mission to Mars Edition - Space Adventure - Family, Children, Teens, Adults - Educational - Competitive - Object: Monopolize the Planets of our Solar System
Magnetic Fuel Tank Monitor Card. Magnets on the game board to hold Fuel Stations in place. 2 levels of game play.
This game will arrive in new condition. Please note that each Mission to Mars Edition game was opened in the U.S. for the sole purpose of adhering the magnets to the game board, thus saving customers the task. The game will arrive taped closed with clear tape on all 4 edges of the color box.

Thames & Kosmos Simple Machines Science Experiment & Model Building Kit, Introduction to Mechanical Physics, Build 26 Models to Investigate The 6 Classic Simple Machines
Through 26 model-building exercise, gain hands-on experience with gears and all six classic simple machines: wheels and axles, levers, pulleys, inclined Planes, screws, and wedges.

Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World
It’s time to say NO to trying to fit square-peg kids into rounds holes, and YES to raising them from a place of acceptance and joy.
Today millions of kids are stuck in a world that doesn’t embrace who they really are. They are the one in five “differently wired” children with ADHD, dyslexia, giftedness, autism, anxiety, or other neurodifferences, and their challenges are many. And for the parents who love them, the challenges are just as numerous, as they struggle to find the right school, the right support, the right path.
But now there’s hope. Differently Wired is a revolutionary book—weaving together personal stories and a tool kit of expert advice from author Deborah Reber, it’s a how-to, a manifesto, and a reassuring companion for parents who can so often feel that they have no place to turn.

Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students
Teaching children how to manage their intense emotions is one of the most difficult aspects of parenting or educating gifted children. Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students: Helping Kids Cope With Explosive Feelings provides a much-needed resource for parents and educators for understanding of why gifted children are so extreme in their behavior and how to manage the highs and lows that accompany emotional intensity. Presented in an easy-to-read, conversational style, this revised and updated second edition contains additional chapters addressing temperament and personality development, as well as expanded role-plays and strategies designed to show parents and teachers how to interact and guide gifted children in a way that teaches them how to recognize, monitor, and adjust their behavior. Updated resources and worksheets make this practical resource a must-read for anyone wishing to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of gifted children.

Parenting with Presence: Practices for Raising Conscious, Confident, Caring Kids (An Eckhart Tolle Edition)
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Thank you for your post. I am inspired by the way you approach your teaching time, from the point of view of what it brings to you, not just to your child. I need to homeschool my child (I always wanted to but with the older girls I was too busy working – and by now that I have my 4th I don’t really know how). Nonetheless she is 5 and not in a school environment, and she is very curious and interested and I feel a great need to have a more structured approach to her work. I would love to talk to you to get some advice. Thank you
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