Montessori 101: A Year-Long Series Going Back to the Basics

Do you love the Montessori method, but wish you knew more? Are you a Montessori homeschooler or parent in need of a refresher course? Have you seen the hundreds of Montessori pins on Pinterest and wondered what it’s all about?

Maybe you want to know why Montessorians do the things they do…floor beds? Pink towers? What’s up with all those beads? Why is the 3-period lesson so important?

Sensitive periods? Is Montessori for babies and toddlers? What does it even mean to follow the child?

Well, guess what? I’ve got just the thing for you!

Montessori 101: Your Introduction to Montessori Education

This year we’re going back to the basics at Our Montessori Home. We’re going to be spending a year getting to know the in’s and out’s of the Montessori method. Think of it as your introductory Montessori course.

Each month we’ll look at a new area of the Montessori philosophy and method. Every week you can find a new post on that month’s specific topic.

Want to know what’s even better? Other than no tests?

At the end of each post, you’ll find helpful hints, tips, or questions to help you get started applying what you’ve learned at home. Information is great, but if it can’t follow you into your everyday life it’s not much use.

Why Study the Montessori Philosophy?

The longer I’m around the internet the more I find Montessori being mentioned. That’s good, right? Montessori is an awesome philosophy that enables children to become confident human beings and lifelong learners. The more Montessori, the better.

But not all information is created equal.

I’ve come across a lot of awesome Montessori blogs, posts, activities, and training guides by wonderful Montessori teachers, parents, and homeschoolers. I have learned and benefited from many of them.

However, there’s another side of Montessori on the internet. Montessori is a bit of a buzzword these days. People seem to tack it onto any hands-on activity and call it Montessori. Even some schools and daycares call themselves Montessori without the teacher training or accreditation. At best, it lays a faulty foundation for those wanting to know more about Montessori. At worst, the name of Montessori is dragged through the mud and pronounced unfit when its principles are misunderstood and abused.

There is a purpose for everything in Montessori. From which side do you start a pouring tray to why we abstain from rewards to the words we use in a lesson and how we view each child’s potential. Without knowing why Montessorians do these things, you won’t grasp the fullness of their purpose.

Yes, Montessori is an extremely thorough and deep philosophy of education. It’s a philosophy meant for a marathon, not a 100-yard dash. It’s a long stroll meandering through the forest, not a speed walk through the mall. It’s about the formation of a child into their full potential, not how much they can get done.

Who’s Running the Show?

I’m Jessica. I’ve been sharing Montessori activities and spreading the philosophy at Our Montessori Home since 2009.  I’m the mom to three adventurers—Joey – 6, Otto – 4, and Olivia – 2. I’m married to a wonderful man who supports so many of my crazy endeavors (he’s the one who keeps the behind-the-scenes in tact).For a more personal peek into our life, you can find me on Instagram @Jess_Reflects.

I’m a Montessori parent, NAMC Infant/Toddler trained (soon to begin my Elementary I training), spent three years teaching as an aid in a primary classroom, as well as raising and teaching my own children in the Method for the last 6 years. I’m not a Montessori expert, but with nearly 10 years in a Montessori environment I feel confident in my knowledge and practices and I’m eager to learn more. The Montessori philosophy fascinates me and I’ve seen its benefits in my life, my children’s lives, as well as past students. It’s a grand adventure.

This year will be a refresher course for me as well. There is just so much information to digest, from Montessori herself as well as her pupils. We’ll come out more confident and ready in our Montessori practices.

It’s going to be good.

Are you ready to jump in?

Sign-up for the Our Montessori Home Newsletter to keep up to date with Montessori 101, as well as great information and opportunities for your classroom and family.

Linking up with Living Montessori Now’s Montessori Monday.