"The training of the teacher who is to help life is something far more than the learning of ideas. It includes the training of character, it is a preparation of the spirit." Maria Montessori. My main objective for this blog was to keep me on track at planning for and implementing a homeschool program for Bear. I've been doing some hard thinking and research and come up with a skeleton of a plan... First to answer "when?"When will we start? Obviously in many ways we've already started and I hope that our "program" will grow and evolve as Bear is ready for one thing after another. In order to set myself a goal and make sure I can keep up with him I will set a date:
When will we do "school"? I think there should be a distinction between "school" time and "free" time. I would like to work out a rhythm to separate these parts of our days. There doesn't seem to be a rule of how much "school" toddlers do - Montessori schools offer a range of programs from a few days per week up to 5 days, just morning sessions or all day long. And of course practical life and self care happen all day long. It's hard to guess what's going to work for us but to start with something:
When will I work on his curriculum/materials? I am going to aim to do at least 1 hour preparation per week per child. That time is going to need to be spent on research, organising, making or sourcing materials.
And the "what?" questions..."If we do not plant knowledge when young, it will give us no shade when we are old." Lord Chesterfield. The scope of the Montessori preschool curricula is huge and intimidating. I would love to offer it all but I think it would be wiser to guard my ambitions and aim to do a few things well. I keep at the back of my mind the reassurance that any education I manage to offer Bear before he goes to formal mainstream kindergarten is a bonus and probably more than his peers will have had. Music I am not musical. But I am intrigued by the montessori approach to teaching children to love and explore music. I would love to share it with Bear. This is where most of my inspiration has come from. Reading Reading is such a gateway for learning. Once you can read the whole world is at your fingertips. Maths There is such an emphasis on maths in mainstream schools that success or failure in this area alone can dominate a child's self image. I don't want it to be a stumbling block for Bear. The toddler period is preparation for preschool to learn concentration, coordination, language and responsibility. "How" on Earth will we do it?!Curriculum There is such an amazing supply of free resources online for inspiration and guidance. I am sifting through them starting at the little list. Materials (or the "How much" question) There is no doubt that Montessori schools are expensive. I wonder if we would make the financial commitment if it were possible to send Bear to Montessori preschool... I love the traditional Montessori materials but even though we're saving money keeping Bear at home I can't justify the expense of providing them for one child (or one family of children).
Atmosphere Montessori schools seem so special. A special place. A special teacher. Special materials. Special activities and responsibilities. I would love to recreate this special atmosphere at home. But how?! Challenges:
"Where"?This is my favourite and the one I feel most confident about. We have a beautiful school room where Bear and I love to spend time. For now there is no separation between the two areas. That won't be necessary until the baby becomes mobile. I am trying to plan ahead so that minor changes will accommodate both children as their needs change.
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My name is Vicky and I have 3 boys - Bear (10), Fox (8) and Wolf (6). Somehow I stumbled across Montessori and now my goal is to raise and educate my children with a Montessori approach in Dubbo. Archives
April 2024
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