As I prepare for the upcoming Montessori homeschool year, I am researching best practices in lessons planning and record keeping. I thought I would share some of my research – from homeschool planners to homeschool curriculum resources – with you.
Where to Begin with Montessori Homeschool
The truly important starting points are personal. You have to find your homeschool rhythm. More often than not, that rhythm won't fit to a set planning schedule. Just like Montessori, create a well planned environment with wide parameters, lots of room for shifting directions depending on the child and yourself. Another starting point is setting your homeschool intentions. What do you want to accomplish that day, that week, that month, that year across a wide range of learning and developing.
Success is blocked by concentrating on it and planning for it… Success is shy – it won't come out while you're watching. ~ Tennessee Williams
Montessori Scope & Sequence
You want to know and understand the scope & sequence generally. Why? Trust me, you will be able to guide your child more effectively. You will also be able to more successfully make appropriate observations on progress and focus. I created a visual during my training. I have one for sensorial and one for practical life. The most comprehensive Montessori Scope & Sequence I have seen out in the virtual world is by Montessori Compass. The Helpful Garden also has a really great free scope & sequence for you.
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Montessori Homeschool Planning Tools
I have to be honest. I haven't found one that works for me yet. I need simple. I need flexible. So, I am in the process of making my own. I will share it with you once I complete the document. In the meantime, check out these images of a Montessori Homeschool Planner from Grace & Green Pastures. I also found this wonderfully well done Montessori homeschool planning set on Etsy from a store called Perennial Planner.
Montessori Record Keeping
One of the first steps in beginning to actually homeschool your children is to assess where they are in their development. There are a series of assessment tools along the way that will help you. The hundred board is a good example. I have searched for a comprehensive list of assessment works. I have not found one. So, I am going to go through my training materials and write one up as a reference for myself but also to send along to you. I hope it helps. In the meantime, Montessori Printshop has a FREE Language Record Keeping download and a reasonably priced General Record Keeping download available.
Additional Resources
Other resources to check out include Living Montessori Now's post on daily Montessori homeschool schedule.
I will continue to update you as I do more research. I wanted to share with you the resources I have come across to help you with planning as soon as possible.
Best,
Marnie
