When a family decides to take a route less travelled 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 socialisation.
First of all, allow me to make something clear. Regardless of your choices and whether your child is schooled in the public system, private school, Montessori school, through distance education or at home, you will have to deal with bullying, negative influence, social problems to some degree. Homeschooling families do not need to have their choice validated by every family member, every teacher we come across, friend, stranger or grocery shop lady. Real life is the ultimate test every single child will have to face.
The best possible advice you can receive from anyone who has been homeschooling for an extended period is that you need to take a stress factor out of your decision-making process and build your planning based on your child’s interests. Burning out is way too real in the homeschooling world (Montessori or not). So if you are starting something so significant and life-changing, you may as well do it right from the beginning.
This is why I’ve been working on creating the Montessori Homeschooling 101 ecourse. It is for those who need guidance to make it work based on your unique circumstance, who need reassurance, tools to assess and plan your days and learning and make sure your child is staying on track academically and socially; enjoy life together to the fullest without losing the sight of what matters – family, friendships, love of learning and following your child’s passions. I want to make sure it is of the highest quality, practical and goes into enough depth for you to homeschool using the Montessori method successfully. This is why I am taking the time to create it. You can jump on my list and receive notification when it is going to be available.
Here is a rough sketch and suggested steps to take:
Observe your child. Make a lot of notes!
Decide on your weekly plan incorporating all shopping, outings and extracurricular activities.
Plan your daily routine.
Plan your learning goals together with the child.
Gather your materials.
Follow your child and enjoy the process!
I have a shortcut to offer you. Here is a list of Montessori homeschool blogs, resources and websites to inspire and provide some sort of reference when working on your planning. I made this research for you hoping to save you some precious time and help you not to get lost in the sea of information the Internet sphere is.
My recommendations of Montessori Parenting Books.
Montessori scope and sequence PDF file
Montessori Homeschooling – general information and resources | montessori.org
Free printable materials | montessorialbum.com
General information on Montessori | www.michaelolaf.net
Homeschool Planner | Montessori Nature
Curriculum choices:
Math and Language Arts | Shiller Math
Geography | Pin it Maps
3-6 Montessori Homeschool Program | North American Montessori Center
Christian Curriculum Resources | Master Books
Blogs:
Homeschooling Preschooler the Montessori Way | Montessori Nature
Our Montessori Preschool Homeschool Routine | Montessori Nature
A Tour of Elisabeth’s Homeschool Classroom | Montessori Kiwi
A Tour of Bree’s Homeschool Classroom | Montessori Kiwi
Montessori theory and practice | Carrots are Orange
Homeschool ideas for young children | MOMtessori Life
Montessori Christian homeschool | Mama’s Happy Hive
Printables and homeschool information | The Helpful Garden
Montessori Homeschool resources | Making Montessori Ours
Homeschooling with Special Needs | Every Star is Different
Free Printables and resources | Montessori Mom
Free printables | Montessori for Everyone
eCourses:
My Montessori Homeschool – A Comprehensive Online Training Course | Marnie, Carrots are Orange
Facebook communities:
Raising Multilingual Montessori Children-Montessori Nature Community Group
Montessori Homeschooling 6-12 years
Tackle Box Montessori – Guided DIY Materials – Homeschooling & Parenting
Montessori Presentations {Videos}
Montessori Lessons | Youtube
I hope you will find this list helpful! Remember, just like Maria Montessori said: “Progress is not linear”. There will be ups and downs, frustrations, productive and happy days and days when you feel exhausted and helpless. This is why having a planner, and a list of go-to resources will help you plan your week, month and the whole year. Keeping your daily routine and resources organised will put your mind at ease because you will be able to observe your progress and make adjustments as you go. There is no such thing as a perfect homeschool or perfect circumstance. Every single family struggles at times. Your progression line may go up and down, twirl and swirl. As soon as you know where you are heading, stay true to yourself, your values, your ideas and beliefs and never stop learning, you will enjoy the fruits of your labour and unconditional love. Let’s face it, unconditional love for our children is the one thing that keeps up going day in and out.
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