Montessori is a popular buzz word these days. There are many articles and ideas floating out there. So, how do you truly being to take steps forward to integrating these ideas into your home and your family's life. You feel Montessori is right for your family but feel a bit overwhelmed with the gargantuan amount of information being thrown at you. So, where do you start to take steps towards Montessori in your home? This post include two key steps in bringing Montessori in the Home!
“Within the child lies the fate of the future.” ~ Dr. Maria Montessori
How to Integrate Montessori in the Home
Step #1: Educate Yourself
The first step to integrating Montessori at Home is to educate yourself and to fully embrace Dr. Montessori’s approach to education. Montessori is a lifestyle. It is not learning that begins and ends at the classroom doors. The best way to achieve this understanding and acceptance is to read as much as you possibly can about the philosophy. Read articles, peruse Montessori minded blogs, and read Montessori in the Home books for parents such as Montessori Madness, The Science Behind the Genius, and Montessori: a Modern Approach.
Blogs such as how we montessori, The Kavanaugh Report, Natural Beach Living, Living Montessori Now, Montessori Mischief, Racheous Lovable Learning, and my own blog, Carrots Are Orange, are tremendous resources for you. The authors provide a tremendous amount of Montessori knowledge.
Step #2: Compare & Contrast
Why did you choose Montessori over Waldorf or Inquiry based or Reggio Emilia? Where do these philosophies overlap? How are they different? Take a bit of time to understand the various differences and similarities of Montessori and other learning philosophies. By far the best overview I have read is Michael Olaf’s comparison. A much meatier version of the Montessori comparison is found on the Early Childhood Research & Practice website. PBS Parents offers a user friendly comparison of education philosophies. There is even a video on Youtube comparing Montessori to other philosophies. Once you're committed to bringing Montessori ideals into your home, embrace the philosophy.
For more, check out Montessori 101 posts! Subscribe to our weekly eNewsletter and follow Carrots Are Orange on Facebook for more Montessori goodness!
Marnie