Practical Life 201

Practical Life 201

Saturday, January 17, 2015 / No Comments

Welcome to my first post as part of the 12 Months of Montessori Series!

While the math materials were one of the most interesting aspects of Montessori initially, practical life wasn't far behind.  I adore it for all the proven benefits.  It allows a child to take an active role in his or her environment.  It helps develop the small muscle groups necessary for writing.  It also helps foster confidence and independence.

The list of possible practical life activities is nearly endless.  You can scoop, tweeze, button, sweep, dust, weave, pour, and tie.  In fact, I wrote a post on how to adapt nearly any household activity for your children.  But when all the basics have been mastered, what comes next?  Is there still more to be gained from practical life?

The answer is a resounding yes!

In a traditional Montessori scope and sequence, basic skills such as pouring water or using a scrub brush are combined into more lengthy and complicated works.  One of the most notable is washing a table.  While it may seem like a simple task, traditional presentations often contain upwards of 25 steps.  On the surface, that may seem overly meticulous.  However, Maria Montessori had a brilliant, scientific mind and observed the benefits of introducing works which required greater thought and attention to detail.

She discovered that a child's ability to focus on the task at hand increased as the work demanded it.  In other words, it encouraged the ability to concentrate.  Montessori also discovered that children felt a deeper connection with such work as it had a direct correlation to a need in the environment.  And of course, the ability to sequence through tasks is critical for a child's development.  The same thorough process that a child uses to sequence steps will one day be used to understand the intricacies of a story or complete more complicated math problems.

This early activity is a foundation for so much more.

So how do you demonstrate a task like table washing to your child?

• Begin by reading through the presentation.  Here are two examples from The AMI Primary Guide and Montessori Commons.
    
• Gather the appropriate supplies and practice the presentation on your own.  Even as an adult, it can be challenging to wade through that may steps initially.  Ensure you are comfortable demonstrating it without reading as you go.  That will be a distraction for your child.
    
• If you come across any steps that your child is unfamiliar with, practice those skills until mastered first.  You want to set up a scenario where you child can be successful and avoid unnecessary frustration.
    
• Invite your child to a new and exciting presentation.
   
• Complete the demonstration slowly and with emphasis on the steps.  As with most practical life presentations, try not to speak as you demonstrate.  Refraining from explanations is so hard, but it will draw your child's attention to your words and away from your hands.
   
• Allow your child to attempt the sequence while resisting the urge to correct.  It will take time to learn the correct order of steps.
   
• Repeat the demonstration as needed in the future until your child discovers the correct sequence.
   
• Marvel at what your child is capable of!!!

While table washing is an excellent activity, there are a number of standard options, such as polishing wood or arranging flowers.  You can even use the same pattern to create other multi-step works that are relevant to your home.  For example, we have a tradition of picking pumpkins from a local pumpkin patch each year.  My children love washing the dirt off.  Instead of letting them simply play with the soap and water, I created a specific set of steps to follow for a clean pumpkin.  It is an activity that interests them and solves a real need, all the while providing a concrete sequence of steps.

If you and your child enjoy practical life as much as we do, I encourage you to consider adding a few multi-step activities to your repertoire.


-Bess

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This post is part of the 12 Months of Montessori Series.  I am truly honored to be part of this endeavor.  I want to encourage you to visit all the participating blogs to learn more about Practical Life.

Amazing blogs involved in the 12 Months of Montessori Learning

Natural Beach Living ~ The Natural Homeschool ~ Living Montessori Now ~ The Kavanaugh Report ~ Mama's Happy Hive ~ Study at Home Mama ~ Every Star Is Different ~ Child Led Life ~ Grace and Green Pastures ~ The Pinay Homeschooler

First Day Walkthrough

First Day Walkthrough

Friday, January 16, 2015 / No Comments

Preparing a Montessori learning space, whether large or small, can be an exciting endeavor.  Sharing the journey of learning with your child can be joyous.  It can also be challenging to navigate those first steps as you and your child adapts to a new adventure.

I want to share a few tips on starting out that have helped ease us into a good school year.  These are things I approach in varying degrees after any long break as well.

Don't Overwhelm
It's easy to get so excited about putting materials on the shelves that they end up packed with more work than a child could complete in a year.  What looks beautiful and inviting on the surface may seem overwhelming to a child new to this style of learning.  You want to avoid the "kid in the candy store" syndrome where everything is so enticing that nothing is chosen.

Depending on the personality of your child, you may find they flourish best if you start with only one or two options initially.  This will give them a chance to master basics, which we'll talk more about in the next point.  In fact, this "going minimal" approach is common in a number of Montessori schools at the beginning of the new year.  And don't worry, you'll be able to slowly add new works soon enough.


Review the Basics
While we understand that children need lessons on mathematics, language, and various practical life tasks, we often forget that they need lessons to acclimate to a Montessori style environment.  I find this becomes all the more necessary when you are dealing with multiple children.

So what should you review?  Many of my favorite lessons are covered in the preliminary exercises often found in a traditional Montessori scope and sequence.

Here are the four that I review every single time:

• Carrying a tray 
• For this I demonstrate how to remove a tray from the shelf, carrying it with both hands.  I also demonstrate returning it when finished.  Begin initially with an empty tray.  You can increase the difficulty by adding more items to the tray.
• Rollling/Unrolling a Mat
• I show how to remove a mat from the stand and carry it with both hands to an empty place on the floor.  Ensure that when you demonstrate unrolling or rolling that you go very slowly and deliberately.
• Walk Around a Rug (vs stepping over)
• I show how I can walk carefully around the rug without stepping on it or crossing over the work area.  I switch it up by trying to walk on tippy toes or walking as quietly as possible.  Sometimes I combine carrying a tray with walk around a mat.
• How to Observe Someone Working
• This begins with asking permission to observe.  I then demonstrate kneeling quietly next to the individual working and place my hands folded in my lap.

I generally present these lessons to all my children as a group.  I tend to give an initial example and we take turns practicing and role playing with each other.  Keep in mind that depending on the age, these tasks will take time to master.  It will most likely take gentle reminders as well.

You know your children and your setup best.  Take time to anticipate which basic skills and preliminary exercises would help promote a peaceful environment in your circumstances.  You can see more examples here.


Grant Ownership of Expectations
Whether you have a fully outfitted classroom or a simple set of shelves in the corner, our learning environment is a gift to our children.  To promote this idea, I allow them to shape the guidelines that govern acceptable behavior in our learning space.  We accomplish this through a guided group discussion.

I begin by asking them how they like to work, which often requires some guidance on my part.  For the youngest child, you may have to be fairly direct.  "Do you prefer to work when it is quiet or loud?"  Once they say they prefer quiet I will ask them how they think we could accomplish this.  I will then usually get the usual answers of not yelling and working quietly.  Then I simply ask them if they think that should be a rule.  Then I write it down, and we all agree on it.  You can use this for all anticipated challenges, such as taking turns, returning materials, cleaning up messes, etc.  Once they feel the environment is theirs, they will have a far more vested interest in the upkeep.

Once we have the list completed, I hang it up on the wall.  Then it can become a point of reference.  If someone starts yelling, I can say, "Yelling makes it hard for everyone to do their work.  Do you remember when we talked about that?"

On occasion, a detrimental behavior will develop that wasn't addressed initially.  If it becomes an issue, I will simply have a meeting to present the problem and ask them what we should do about it.  It really is amazing to see how perceptive children are.  They are better problem solvers than we realize!

As with any task, practice makes perfect.

Those are some of the steps we try to run through each year to help keep an orderly learning space.  Always keep in mind, no matter how much you plan and prepare, your children will throw the occasional curve ball.  Simply stand back, observe, `and try to get to the root of it.  You CAN do it.  

-Bess

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The Overdue 14/15 Curriculum Post

The Overdue 14/15 Curriculum Post

Saturday, January 10, 2015 / No Comments

This post is long overdue.  I started it and restarted it so many times; not because I changed my mind but because I couldn't find enough time to write a coherent post.

It's amazing the difference a year can make.  Last year I had everything laid out by mid-July.  Our schedule, coursework; everything was meticulous prepped.  This year it's August, October, December, January, and I'm just now laying it out in writing.  Of course, last year I felt like I planned well but didn't have the best execution.  Maybe this year my execution will blow me away... or at least the half of the school year that's left  :-)

So let's get to the nitty gritty.  But first, a quick disclaimer:
This is what works for us, but every family is different.  Results may vary.


Our Core Montessori
We are working our way through the Keys of the World Primary album set.  I'll talk more about this decision in regards to my elementary aged child in a subsequent post.  My goal with her is to fly through it as fast as possible and be firmly into Keys of the Universe Elementary sooner than later.  There are some very specific reasons for this that I doubt myself on daily.  But there's still a good chance she'll move to Keys of the Universe before the year is out.

My 5-year-old is on the quick path as well.  The only difference is that once I determine where his mastery ends, we'll slow down and return to a normal pace.

My littlest recently turned 3.  Dear time, please stop.  I still haven't accepted that he's out of toddler.  For the most part, he's still along for the ride.  I let him pick what he wants as long as he's respectful with the materials.  The older two generally jump in to give him lessons.  He has picked up so much simply by being around our Montessori class since birth.  I'll start formally tracking his progress in a few months once I have the older two adjusted.  I'm amazed at what he knows already, so I don't feel bad about putting him low on the priority list.


Classical Conversations
This will be our second year in a Classical Conversations community.  In fact, we're already more than halfway through Cycle 3.  We are certainly not the consummate CC family.  Yes, we review our weekly memory work, and it tends to stick.  At the same time, I tend to use our topics as jumping off points, especially in the areas of geography, science, and history.  I'll expect more as they get older and can read proficiently.  For now, it's fun for all of us.  My children are thriving in the environment it provides.


Exploring Science
Real science doesn't typically begin until the elementary level in Montessori, but I can't help myself.  I had hoped to employ our Apologia related books.  So far, that hasn't happened, and that's okay.  Our first semester was spent studying anatomy, and our second will be chemistry.  I have pulled related resources from various Montessori-based printable suppliers, such as Montessori Print Shop, Montessori Helper, and Montessori for Everyone.  I will probably post the specific related resources at some point, but feel free to drop me a message if you'd like to know ASAP.  


Logic and Computer Skills
As a STEM enthusiast, computer and logic skills are important to our family.  I realize that technology is generally frowned upon in Montessori communities.  My husband and I are the rare birds that were raised on technology 30+ years ago, so I have my own opinions.  At the same time, I fully respect the choices that each family makes.  In our case, coding logic (i.e. computer programming) is an important skill we intend to teach early.  The older two are working on an app called Light Bot.  I'm hoping that Elora will graduate to Scratch sooner than later.  Elora has started a keyboarding program as well.  We are using Keyboarding Without Tears.  She doesn't love it, but she'll do it.  I started her on the Kindergarten level even though she's technically 1st grade.  That may be part of the issue, but I was concerned about starting midway through the program and missing the early finger placement practice.


Physical Education
I'm amazed at how critical physical activity is to improving focus for my boys.  We have a gross motor area for the basic energy burn.  However, I wanted to employ something directed before we officially start our classroom time.  It can make or break us.

I recently purchased the Kid's Fit Deck.  It's so simple to use.  Keep drawing cards until the time is up.  We are also using The Yoga Kit for Kids.  It has simple yoga poses the kids can imitate.  Apparently I equate physical activity with cards.

Once the weather is nice, I'd like to try morning walks.  But that requires making myself presentable, and I'm not sure if I can commit to that.  I'll probably aim for 2 days a week for starters.


Creative School Enrichment

Reading Eggs
Again, for many families, Montessori and technology don't mix, so here is where I part ways a bit.  In the past 6 months, I discovered that Elora is a visual spacial learner (VSL).  Hence part of the reason why reading was a challenge for us.  VSLs generally grasp language exceptionally well but essentially lack the patience to process reading.  Okay, it's more complicated than that, but I'll post more about it at some other point.  I decided to try a visually interactive way to explore reading.  After testing at least 10 options, I allowed her to trial Reading Eggs.  To say it has been successful for her would be an understatement.  Best of all, she is keeping her intense love of books and reading.  It's exceptionally easy to rob the joy of reading from a VSL.  I'm as VSL myself and could write a novel on that topic.  So far, so good for her.  

Art 4 Montessori
I love the Art 4 Montessori program.  It's so comprehensive and easy to attain even for a non-artistic type like myself.  We'll continue with Book 1: Sharing Art with Children in the Montessori Way:  An Introduction to Materials.

Music for Little Mozarts
I've been toying with this one forever.  I couldn't figure out how to best work through the set of workbooks I had.  And then I realized I was missing the Teacher's Guide.  *sigh*  I received it late last year.  Now it makes sense!  We're starting next month.

Grapevine Studies
I have gone back and forth more times than I can count on how to approach Bible Study.  If I had an unlimited budget and time, I would have a lovely Godly Play space.  At present, I don't have the energy to devote to it.  We have decided to trial Grapevine Studies.  We start next week.  We'll see how it goes.  We also need to pick up our family study of Our 24 Family Ways.


So there's the long and short of it.  On the activities side, both Elora and William have been in karate since July.  They are both in scouting programs as well.  Elora is in American Heritage Girls and William is in Trail Life.  It's been a good mix for us.  Elora also started art lessons last week; which is something she's been begging for.  The older two have also expressed an interest in learning violin.  I hope to eventually find someone who can come to our home for weekly lessons.  But at present, it isn't a financial possibility, so we'll keep working on our music theory studies.

Follow the Child... Or Not?

Follow the Child... Or Not?

Sunday, April 13, 2014 / No Comments

If there's one phrase that is acutely associated with the Montessori Method it's this one:

"Follow the child"

Often times it's one of the first concepts someone learns about when investigating Montessori.  It's commonly used as the answer when someone faces a struggle when employing the method at home.  But on occasion, I see it interpreted as letting the child do as he/she pleases.  Is that really what it means?

Let's see what Maria Montessori herself says on the topic:

"To let the child do as he likes when he has not yet developed any powers of control is to betray the idea of freedom."

So the short answer is.... no.

"Follow the Child" was never meant to be a blanket statement that allows children to do whatever they want.  While I understood this, I couldn't have given a good explanation as to what it did mean; that is until I attended a parent session at a local school.  The elementary director modified the statement ever so slightly.  His rendition went like this:

"Follow the NEEDS of the child"

I wanted to jump up and give him a high five. But that probably would have been strange for everyone in the room.

Following the child is about observing carefully to determine what is needed.  That may or may not correlate with what the child wants at the moment.  Let's face it, our children don't always make wise decisions.  We have to guide them in life, which includes the educational process.  We need to know what to look for, especially cues that align with the sensitive periods.  This will give us the information we need to provide the best guidance possible.

For those who are newer to Montessori, you may not have heard of a process called normalization.  This is where a child becomes adept at functioning in the environment and focusing well.  A well-normalized child is more likely to make better decisions.  But even then, they are still children.  I would even go a step further and argue that we cannot expect the same normalization process observed in a school setting at home.  But that's an entirely different discussion...

No matter how much we try to prepare the environment, sometimes the world looks like this to a child.  They need our loving guidance at points.

Also keep in mind that your child's needs may not correlate with your personal goals or expectations either.  We all develop ideas about what we want from our children.  Do we expect them to read by a certain age or progress at a certain pace?  What are our preconceived ideas surrounding what a child is incapable of?  Often times our preformed ideas become the biggest obstacle to focusing on the needs the child is trying to communicate.     

It's both an internal and external conflict I struggle with myself.  There are days my children don't feel like being in the school room.  Most of the time, we go anyway.  Now that I have a child entering the second plane of development (at age 6), I provide stricter standards as to what must be attended to in each work session.  And yes, I often find myself resisting the urge to go gang busters on an area where I feel they should be further ahead.

I want to encourage you to strive for a balance.  Observe your child often.  Figure out what he/she needs, which may be very different than your expectations or desires.  But yes, it's okay to provide guidance when you sense that something is off.  Following your child is not an indulgent blank check; it's an opportunity to connect and nurture.

-Bess

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Not a Fun Mom

Not a Fun Mom

Tuesday, April 1, 2014 / No Comments

I have a confession.  I am not a fun mom.

If you spend any time on Pinterest or browsing though various Montessori blogs then you've come across an unbelievable amount of activities that cover every interest, holiday or theme.  From President's Day to sloths and quilts, it's all been done.  No really, it has.  Just think of a theme and search.  It's impressive.  There are obviously a number of folks with far more creativity than me.

I'll be honest, I used to be envious of those who had the time to create such elaborate works and at a high frequency at that.  If the stars align, you may find one thing on my shelves that hints at a theme.  But hey, after I realized the fall pumpkin counters have been out for over a year, it was time to let go.

Here's a half effort from way back when.  Tonging snowballs.

If you're someone who has the resources necessary, especially time, then by all means, continue.  There's absolutely nothing wrong with adding themes to your work.  If you're there, then mama, you're rocking it!  However, I want to give a bit of encouragement to those who may find themselves lacking the time and energy to bring all your Pinterest finds to fruition.  Most days I feel like I'm just barely keeping my head above water.  It takes a lot to address the academic basics and simply keep everyone alive, especially if I want to throw speaking kindly into the mix.  :-)

We have to remember to keep the first things first.  We have to love and respect our children first and foremost as we address their most basic needs.  There's nothing more important than that, even from a Montessori perspective.  As we approach the topic of "academics" or education at home, we have to start with the basic needs there as well.  From a Montessori approach, it means working with the senses and fine motor activities as well as laying the foundation for language and mathematics.  This can happen perfectly well without a single heart in February or shamrock in March.  Don't lose sight of the goals.

But then my children won't have any fun, right?

Wrong.  This is where I think we got off track as a society at points.  Consumerism has taught us that everything has to be bright, colorful and demand our child's attention - that children can't learn to count unless a puppet sings about it on TV.  It's a lie.  And in fact, it goes against the very essence of what Montessori envisioned for education.  We vastly underestimate our children.  Put any young child in a room with new flashy toys, and they'll inevitably gravitate towards the box it came it.  They desire to learn.  We don't have to trick them into it.

I had a hard time accepting that the basics were enough, as if the pink tower and spindle box alone wouldn't draw them in.  The truth I found is that when I focused on paring down the essentials, which could be traditional materials or otherwise, that's where the focus went.  While I worried that I wasn't providing enough, my children flourished with a renewed interest in the critical areas.  They were less distracted by the constant new tray in town, so to speak.  I also found that I was far less stressed without my weekly shelf rotations and constant need to raid every dollar section in town to track down supplies.  It really is true that Mom's attitude will be a driving force in her children; whether it be stress or joy.  While I may sound like a stick in the mud - and sometimes fear my classroom feels a bit sterile - I'm amazed at how often all three of my children desire to spend time in the classroom.

So if you're like me and find yourself overwhelmed and frazzled at points, remember that you don't have to do it all.  Find the areas that cause the most stress and let go, even if just for a season.  When you put the first things first, you may well find that simplifying is the most fun for everyone.

-Bess

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To Correct or Not?

To Correct or Not?

Thursday, March 27, 2014 / 2 Comments

I can still recall some of our first school days after we fully invested in Montessori.  I understood my albums and the environment was meticulously arranged.  I invited my daughter to a presentation and was delighted as she watched with great anticipation.  Success!  We were achieving Montessori.

And then came her turn...

Nothing could have prepared me for the internal conflict that arose as she failed to recreate my efforts.  I did the the most Montessori thing I could think of.  I told her she was doing it wrong and proceeded to fix it for her.

No, really, that's the exact wrong thing to do.  So how do you respond when your child incorrectly attempts a work?

No matter what happens say "thank you".  Then simply put the work away.

Yes, it's really that simple, at least on the outside.  If you're like me then there's so much more you'd like to say and do to resolve the situation.

If this becomes a recurring theme, it may be time to investigate why this could be happening.  

Does the child simply need practice?

When a child is presented with a new work that's correct for their readiness, he/she will not be able to get it correct at first.  The control of error present in the material allows the child to have his/her own "ah-ha" moment.  Practice is needed to achieve this.  If an error is continually being repeated, consider giving the presentation again the next day or a few days later.  The need re-present works has been far more prominent that I initially expected. 

Is the work too advanced?

One of the hardest things to decipher is whether a work is too advanced or if a child simply needs more practice.  My stance is that as long as a child isn't frustrated with a work and is making reasonable attempts then I will allow him/her to continue.  I re-present the work each time.  If frustration or excessive confusion arises simply put the work away and try it again in a few weeks.

Is the child uninterested?

Sometimes when a child is not interested in a work they will purposefully complete it wrong, although I find this to be rare and short-lived.  We all have bad days.  Ensure that you are inviting children to sit through a presentation.  Sometimes I have to sit across the room and give a presentation to myself to strike up genuine interest in something.  If else fails, try another day.

Are the basics covered?

Sometimes the problems we see within a work are more about general normalization.  Normalization is the process by which a child learns to focus and function within the prepared environment.  If you're newer to using Montessori, your child will need time to adjust to the basics such as using work mats or carrying trays.  If the problems revolve around how the materials are handled then it's best to work through some grace and courtesy lessons.

Are your expectations too high?

I'm a details person.  When my album says the child should carry each piece individually with two hands, one on each side, then that's what I expect.  Well, that's ridiculous.  Yes, you want to demonstrate all aspects of the presentations.  They are there for more reasons than I can list here.  At the same time, your child will most likely not hit every single point.  I may take flack from the purists but I look mainly for the primary objective to be accomplished.  We work towards the details but they are not the make it or break it points for me anymore.

Thank you for your work!

As mentioned above, when all else fails thank the child for his/her work and move on.  I know how hard it is to avoid correcting on the spot but it will drastically improve your experience in the long run.

-Bess

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The Silent Presenter

The Silent Presenter

Wednesday, March 26, 2014 / 3 Comments

While I am pursuing Montessori for my children, I was educated in a far more traditional manner.  I attended public school and have strong memories of sitting in rows of desks while a teacher stood up front explaining each subject.  This is my experience with education personally and it's one that I'm sure many can related to.  As much as I've read about, trained in and observed the Montessori Method, there are certain constructs that I find difficult to let go of.  The need to explain everything is one of them.

One of the concepts of early Montessori that drew me in was the sensorial and practical life works.  Observe any young child and you'll see an intense need to participate deeply in the world around them.  They seek input with every sense.  They attempt to copy the daily activities they see as well.  It feels so natural.  I looked forward to teaching those skills once my children were ready.

But see, here's where my idea of what teaching is gets me in trouble.

Young children learn by copying what they see.  They learn through experiences.  If there's one way they do not learn, it's through my need to explain things incessantly.

We must be cautious of how we give presentations, especially those in the area of sensorial and practical life.  Not only do excessive words add no value, they can be detrimental.  Young children have limited focus.  When we speak, we direct attention to our mouths.  When we are silent, the focus is then shifted to what we are doing with our hands.

Does this mean we should never speak during presentations?  Of course, not!  In fact, we should be teaching the language of the works we present.  This includes the name of the work and the names of the various pieces and parts.  The sensorial materials present additional opportunities for descriptive words.  Larger, blue, sour, heavy, smallest, smooth, colder...  These all give your child words they can use to describe their world.  The real key is balance and being cognizant of whether your are speaking or demonstrating.  When your hands are moving, don't speak.  When you are speaking, don't move.  Give the child a chance to shift focus.

Another key in being a silent presenter is to let your hands speak for you.  Make every movement deliberate from the moment the work is retrieved until it is replaced.  Think about how you carry the materials, lay them out and complete the task.  You can point to highlight something important.  You can pause to deliberate when comparing items.  One of my favorite tidbits from a hands-on training course I took was to stop at the end and "admire your work".  I try to demonstrate this by smiling and taking one good breath when the aim of the work has been completed.

I love watching presentations on YouTube.  You can find one on nearly every traditional material.  However, I think think sometimes these videos give us the wrong idea.  Since they are generally geared towards adults, elaborate explanations are given while the presentation occurs; explanations that generally would be absent when the same presentation is given to a child.

This video is a great example of staying silent during a practical life presentation.  Notice how the guide uses her hands to highlight want she wants the child to notice.


I hope this gives you some idea of how to improve your presentation skills.

And next we'll address what to do when the presentation is over and your child takes the driver's seat.  I know I'm not the only one who struggles with what to do when the work isn't completed correctly.

-Bess

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Two Simple Steps for Practical Life

Two Simple Steps for Practical Life

Friday, March 21, 2014 / No Comments

On our last post, we talked about why the practical life shelves in my classroom as so small.  

Shredding Sweet Potatoes for Sweet Potatoes Brownies

As I mentioned there, practical life activities are very important for a child.  While I like to incorporate a few isolated activities or works that the children don't get to practice much in the classroom, I love to give as many real-life practical life experiences outside of the classroom as possible.


One of the best parts of incorporating everyday practical life is that it's so simple and doesn't require a large, specialized purchases.  In fact, you can most likely get started today with a little creativity.  In fact, there are only two things you really need:  accessibility and time.

We live in an adult-sized world and while we think of so many of our daily tasks as too difficult for children, the reality is that often accessibility is the true obstacle.  Children cannot sweep with adult-sized brooms, wash dishes at a sink they cannot reach or cut vegetables with a large knife.  When looking at any task, you must think about it from the perspective of a child.  Does the child have properly sized equipment?  Can the child gain access to everything they need to complete the task?  Is the child able to work comfortably?  It's also important to approach accessibility from a readiness standpoint.  While I think most young children can be taught to safely use a sharp knife, dull, plastic knives are a wiser choice for a beginner.

Washing Mushrooms from the Learning Tower

Slicing Mushrooms with a slicer

The final aspect can be particularly challenging.  Using practical life around your home takes time... lots and lots of time.  It takes time for your child to observe and learn a task.  It takes time for them to practice it.  And even after practice, it generally takes far more time to complete a task than an adult.  Unfortunately, our go-go-go society doesn't support this aspect.  Giving my children the time they need to be successful has been a colossal adjustment in my mindset.  Chances are, you'll find a few internal struggles here as well.  Giving your child the time they need to get dressed and care for themselves may mean being late.  Everywhere.  You.  Go.   Help with laundry and dinner prep and easily double or triple the time the job takes.  But, if we are willing to let go, our children will gain an immense gift.  There's nothing like seeing my children delight in a job well done.... even when dinner is an hour late.

Not the fastest or cleanest cookies ever made in my kitchen but someone was certainly excited to be involved.

Sweeping isn't quite effective yet but he loves trying.  He'll get better with practice.

Taking turns stirring pancake batter.

In case you need a few ideas, here are a few things my children love to do at an early age:

• Vacuum with a mini shop vac
• Wipe down walls and baseboards with baby wipes
• Unload the dishwasher
• Fold washcloths
• Match socks
• Scrub vegetables and fruit
• Peel potatoes
• Pour and stir anything
• Wipe the table after meals
• Cut soft foods with a plastic, disposable knife
• Pour drinks
• Serve themselves at dinner
• Dress themselves
• Use apple and egg slicers
• Grate cheese (before our dairy allergy)
• Squeeze juice
• Spread butter, jelly, sunbutter, etc
• Dust shelves
• Feed/Water the cats
• Plug cables into the computer (non-power, USB, etc)
• Put stamps on envelopes
• Water Plants
• Wipe off filthy DVDs and CDs
• Sweep with a mini broom
• Dig holes for planting in the garden

Peeling potatoes

Scooping food onto his plate for dinner.

Squeezing lemons for lemonade.

And if you're curious as to what a full scope to practical life can look like (it varies per album) you can visit the AMI Primary Guide.

Now, if I can just teach someone to change diapers....

And just to see how relevant practical life become for our family at points, here are my children helping with a routine infusion for the little guy.  I've put the photos at the bottom just in case you'd like to skip it.

Preparing supplies after they washed up

Stretching the butterfly needle while daddy oversees

Opening the syringe and gauze

Helping push the factor.  Obviously, we stay in control for this step.

Putting away the supply cart.

Six Steps for Having the Montessori Talk

Six Steps for Having the Montessori Talk

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 / No Comments

By the way, honey, I need $5000 and will be taking all of the furniture out of the living room to create a classroom.  So how was your day?  

(and for the record, that is nowhere near what we spent on our big order)

There's a scenario that plays out across the globe quite frequently.  Someone browsing the Internet stumbles across Montessori.  In no time at all, plans are made to rearrange the household furniture, and trips are made to the dollar store to snatch all varieties of small bowls and trays.  While there's nothing wrong with running with a good idea, it's important that both parents are on the same page.  When things progress too quickly, one half of the equation can find themselves left out in the dust.  Often, this individual gets pegged as being indifferent or, even worse, a roadblock.  However, in many cases, he/she may simply be bewildered by the sudden change and onslaught of information.

Montessori at the core is a philosophy.  It guides how children are treated and responded to.  For the best results, it's important that both parents are on the same page with how it is implemented within the household.

But what's the best way to get buy-in?  Everyone is different, so there is no guaranteed method.  However, there are a few steps you can consider to ensure that conversation about bringing Montessori into your home is productive.

1.  Have a Plan of Action
It's easy to get carried away up front.  I know as well as anyone how exciting it is to encounter Montessori for the first time.  Yes, indulge yourself!  But at the same time, learn enough to have a basic idea of how you want to use it at home.  I'm certainly not saying you have to have everything figured out.  I'm nowhere near there myself after five years.  However, you need to have a firm enough idea that you can share it clearly with another individual. If you need some questions to get you started, check out my post on Mapping Your Montessori Journey.

2.  Find a Reasonable Time to Talk
Sometimes our excitement can lead us to perform a full mind-dump the second we see our intended target.  The best way to begin an honest conversation is to be respectful of the other individual, even though it may mean exercising restraint.  Most of us need time to unwind from life, so launching into a deeper topic when someone first arrives home is generally a bad idea.  Consider the moments when the two of you are best able to communicate.  Is there a quiet lull in the evening, or do you both focus best when you are out of the house?  If you aren't certain, then ask and agree on a time that works for both.

3.  Provide Relevant Information in Bite-Sized Chunks
Think about the goals and values your significant other holds, even if they differ from yours.  Keep these in mind as you search out information to support your position.  There are so many benefits from Montessori that it's relatively easy to build a case for it, no matter what someone prioritizes.  Is the focus on academic success, hands on learning, well-adjusted children, a peaceful household, practical life skills or gentle discipline techniques?  Is he/she the type that appreciates research, anecdotal stories and/or successful ventures from former Montessori stories?  Always remember that this discussion is about your significant other.  What piqued your interest may be of little concern to him/her.

It's also important that you consider your delivery method.  You can recount facts, send web links, print out articles or choose to read through something together.  No matter how you provide information, ensure you provide it in bite-sized chunks.  While some individuals may be open to reading a book up front, most will prefer to start smaller.  Also keep in mind that one or two well-targeted pieces of information will be far less overwhelming than a long list of random web links.

There is one caveat I want to throw out here.  If you have never discussed the possibility of educating your children at home, make sure that discussion happens first, long before you discuss methodology.  Some individuals are very open to the idea, others are not.  It's best to separate the two and tackle them one at a time.

4.  Proper Consideration Takes Time
If you've made it this far, congratulations!  However, there is still more waiting involved.  Once you prepare the information and present it, your significant other deserves a reasonable amount of time to think about the idea.  You may be asked to provide more information, or he/she may prefer space.  As tempting as it may be, try to refrain from pressure to respond.  It may be best to set an approximate follow-up time frame at the initial discussion.  While I realize this may sound formal if you're used to a more relaxed atmosphere, it's still a good idea to practice solid communication techniques with such an important topic.

5.  Be Prepared to Compromise
While we all hope that we'll be given free range to run with our ideas unhindered, that is rarely the case.  Life has limits.  Some are logistical with constraints on time, space and finances.  Others are more abstract and can vary based on each individual's comfort level with aspects of the philosophy.  I know it's hard when you have a grand vision of what you want.  But starting on the same page is far superior to "having it all" with Montessori 100% of the time.  Be willing to give here and there.  In all likelihood, things will shift and grow in time as everyone adjusts.  We are certainly in a different place than I would have imagined many years ago.

6.  Listen.  I mean REALLY listen
It's hard to listen on a good day.  It's even harder to listen when you're excited about something and simply want to get started.  Force yourself to truly listen to the feedback you are given.  Don't simply nod and smile, impatiently waiting for your next opportunity to speak.  And most of all, don't let the discussion turn into a battle.  It's easy to become defensive when you are passionate about something.  Try to present your reasons with a level head.  Then pause and wait for the response openly.  You may not always like what you hear, but if you listen carefully, you will be more apt to accurately address concerns.  You are a team!


I hope these tips help you communicate your desire to implement Montessori effectively.  Here are a few books and articles that you can use to help you in your venture.


The Montessori Mafia - Famous individuals with a Montessori background

Montessori Education - Basics of Montessori from AMS

What Research Says About Montessori - An article that links to various studies involving Montessori

Benefits of Montessori - Various benefits of Montessori outside of academic success

Montessori Madmen - Montessori advocacy from a father's perspective

Montessori - Learning for Life  - A short video on what Montessori is and why it's important

Books
Montessori:  The Science Behind the Genius - A book which contrasts Montessori practices with modern research.

Montessori Madness - A parent to parent argument for Montessori education


Blogs that show what Montessori at home can look like:
What Did We Do All Day
Living Montessori Now
Our Country Road
Montessori Mischief
Making Montessori Ours
Live and Learn Farm


Best wishes!
Bess

Mapping Your Montessori Journey

Mapping Your Montessori Journey

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 / No Comments

To say that the first steps into Montessori is overwhelming is an understatement.  This is often complicated by a pressing need to jump in immediately.  And let's not forget that the Montessori Method was originally developed for a school environment.  This leaves a wide range of interpretation for using Montessori in a home-school setting.

With all the variations found around the Internet, how do you know what is best for you and your unique family?  As with any venture, it's important to first know where you are heading.  This information can then be your guide for deciding how many resources are worth devoting to the pursuit.  And by resources, I'm referring to far more than financial investments.  We often forget that our time is incredibly valuable with a finite limit on availability.

I have come up with three questions to help you evaluate where you want to go in the Montessori home-school journey.


How long do you plan to school at home?
The answer to this question will go a long way to choosing where your resources should be directed.  It seems quite common today to approach Montessori at home as a substitute for preschool, with the long-term goal of sending a child to school, traditional or otherwise, once they are eligible for Kindergarten.  Another popular break is at the end of one of the Montessori cycles.  The primary cycle runs from ages 3-6, which generally leads up to 1st grade.  The next cycle, lower elementary, encompasses ages 6-9, which is generally 1st-3rd grade.  And of course, there are those who intend to home school through the duration.

For those only interested in preschool, the primary focus will end up being with sensorial and practical life activities.  I have no doubt that this is why activities from these areas dominate Pinterest and other popular Montessori sites.  While there will be some focus on language and math, it is relatively light initially, and most of the materials in this category can be easily made at home.  In most cases, only a small space is needed and could be incorporated nearly anywhere in the home.  A basic understanding of the philosophy would be more than sufficient, especially once the idea of the three-period lesson is grasped.

Those interested in the full primary spectrum will find themselves investing a bit more, especially in the area of math.  The math materials can add up quickly.  While they are a worthwhile investment for families who will use them for upper levels, it may be more cost-effective to use similar alternatives.

Those families who intend to go through lower elementary at a minimum are best suited to invest more heavily in traditional materials and more in-depth learning opportunities for the facilitating parent.  Many of the materials used in the early levels will be used again in elementary, which helps stretch the investment.  The elementary program builds on the primary.  For that reason, you may want to stick with a more traditional approach in moving through the sequence and scope of activities to ensure everyone is ready for advanced work.


How much of the traditional Montessori approach do you intend to utilize?
The full Montessori Method is quite structured, exceptionally detailed, and was written decades ago.  It's rare to find many organizations who follow it to the letter.  It's up to you to determine what works for you.

On one end of the spectrum, you have activities in-the-spirit-of or inspired by the work of Maria Montessori.  These tend to focus on practical life/sensorial activities and Montessori-inspired toys.  The other end of the spectrum involves focusing on the traditional materials and employing classic albums that encompass the full scope and sequence.  Most individuals find themselves somewhere between the two extremes.  For example, you may choose to follow Montessori staunchly for a specific subject while pursuing other complimentary curriculums in others.

If you wish to follow the method closely then you will most likely find yourself purchasing traditional materials and albums.  If you are simply seeking to be Montessori-inspired, you can probably thrive on the lessons available for free online.  While Montessori is a complete package, it isn't uncommon for some families to pair Montessori philosophies with other complimentary curriculums as they feel necessary.


What are your academic goals?
The final question is one you may not have considered.  If you are used to the compulsory education available in western culture then you generally adopt whatever standards have been adopted by that system.  In a home-school model, those standards are up to you, the parent.  Education as a whole generally has gaps in learning.  You can choose a model that is student-driven in which your child chooses gaps based on his/her individual interest.  You can also choose to select the gaps by defining the standards that should be met.  In addition, it is up to you to determine how in-depth each particular area is explored.  Some families prefer to address the base standards, allowing for the maximum experience of "real life".  Others will prefer a more academically driven model where core subjects are drilled to great depth.  There is no right or wrong.  The most important aspect in this category is deciding where you want to fall and ensuring you stick to your goals alone.  Decision in this area will drive the type of albums you choose to pursue and how closely you follow them.



If your answer to all three is "I don't know" I encourage you to take the time to reflect on the question and at the very least, come up with answers that you can live with for a prescribed period of time.  Attempt to come up with answers that you can stick to for six months.  Then, during that time period, ensure that the decisions you make in regards to your resources are inline with the initial commitment.

It is true that your goals will most likely evolve over time.  Ours certainly did.  However, setting short-term goals as you go will help avoid excessive spending and wasted efforts.

There is one final point which I will address further next week.  Ensure that your spouse and/or co-parent is on board with your goals.  Schooling at home is a massive undertaking, and it is critical that family units are in agreement.


So where are you on the spectrum?  Stay tuned as I share the goals for our Montessori journey.  And as promised, I will address the challenges of bringing your spouse/co-parent along the journey with you.

And if you're looking for more "getting starting" help, be sure and check out If I Could Start All Over.

If I Could Start All Over

If I Could Start All Over

Wednesday, October 2, 2013 / 2 Comments

We've been pursuing Montessori at home for five years now.  I've made my share of missteps and wasted countless resources.  After a recent discussion in an online Montessori group I was left wondering what I would do differently if I could start over.  I could probably write a list a mile long but in the interest of brevity, I decided to focus the top 5 things I would tell my younger self.

Purchase Traditional Materials

Yes, I did eventually purchase traditional materials but for the first few years I tried to make it with a mix of Montessori inspired toys, most which were only marginally cheaper than the real deal.  I'm certainly not saying that you must purchase materials.  Everyone has different budget limitations.  But if you do have some funding then save it for a few traditional pieces.  The $18 wooden stacking blocks didn't compare to the $35 pink tower.

Find Local Training and/or a Mentor

No matter how many videos you watch or books you read, there is simply nothing equal to watching Montessori in action.  I know I've mentioned it before but it's worth repeating.  Go observe at a local school.  It took less than five minutes of observing a great directress in action before the light bulb came on and it finally felt cohesive.  But don't stop there.  Many schools offer educational events either geared to parents or professionals.  Run to every single one you possibly can.  You will take something great from every experience.  And perhaps if you're around the community enough, you can find a willing mentor.

Focus on Theory

With all the beautiful and enticing works it's easy to begin by seeking out what to purchase or how to present materials.  This is step two.  Learn the method first.  The way the child is approached is vastly superior to the materials and presentations.  The heart and genius of Montessori lies in the theory.  That is step one.

Make Your Own Decisions
In the beginning when everything is exciting and overwhelming all at the same time, it's easy to look around for that person that will simply tell you what to do.  It is extremely helpful to see what is working for others.  At the same time, find your own path based on your own reading and understanding of the method.  Not everything you see will work for you and your child.  Unfortunately, a number of things that you will find labeled as Montessori are completely contrary to the method as well.  Do you need a separate school room or specific training?  What albums should you purchase or what materials should you buy?  How should you implement aspects such as discipline?  At the end of the day, make your decisions carefully and base them on what is best for you and your own.

Employ More Patience
Now you're hooked and Montessori all you can think about.  Yes, you can do it, but take the time necessary to make a peaceful start.  Resist the temptation to hop in the car and return with an arsenal of shelves.  The problem is that Montessori is most likely different from anything you've experienced regarding childhood in any way, shape or form.  At the core, it isn't simply an academic pursuit.  It's a lifestyle and it's going to take time to transition.  Use your new found enthusiasm to pour over theory and best practices.  The most critical changes you need to make up front are in how you interact with your child NOT the environment.  And even once you begin to address the environment, pace yourself.  Not only will the "go big or go home" attitude stress you out, it will overwhelm your child.  It's a big adjustment for everyone.  You're far better to take a few months to gain knowledge and ease into it than to barrel down the tracks without a clear picture of where you're headed.


If you need support, please join us at Montessori Homeschooling.

Ten Tips for Buying Used Montessori Materials: Part II

Ten Tips for Buying Used Montessori Materials: Part II

Friday, August 16, 2013 / No Comments

This is the second part of a three part series titled Ten Tips for Buying Used Montessori Materials.  We are looking at ways you can make the most of shopping for used materials on various online buy/sell groups.
Part I - Before You Join a Used Material Sale Group (Tips 1-4)
Part II - When You Find an Item You Need (Tips 5-9)
Part III -When You Find Something Intriguing You Don't Need (Tip 10)

What to Do When You Find Something On Your List

5.  Move Fast
While always connected smart phones and alerts on new listings are immensely helpful, it has only increased the competitiveness of a very limited market.  I have seen good listings claimed in less than a minute; sometimes so fast that by the time I refresh the page to view the listing, it's already spoken for.  There isn't time to dawdle with the good listings which is why going through the planning steps (tips 1-4) is so critical.  Without planning your only option is to jump blindly, not knowing if what you see is even a good deal or something you truly need.  Unfortunately, there simply isn't time to research and contemplate when an item is listed.  Of course, some listings do linger on and on.  Unless it's something highly specialized, I'd ask myself why because good listings never last.

6.  Ensure You Understand the Full Price
Most sellers do not include the price of shipping in the offer.  Keep in mind that most traditional Montessori are heavy and often oddly shaped.  The average individual seller does not have access to the same large volume shipping discounts as major retailers.  You can expect shipping to start around $8-$10 (continental US) for the average sized wooden works.  That can quickly climb to $20 with a larger one.  The more materials you add the more it will cost.  Obviously, if you order from an International seller, the rates will increase exponentially.  There will be a cost for shipping if you order from a discount supplier as well.  However, these are generally lower and may even be free depending on how much you order.  Consider whether or not you plan to place an order soon.  It may be cheaper to add a slightly more expensive product to an existing order than to pay for another shipment from an individual seller.

7.  Be Realistic About the Condition
The wonderful thing about traditional Montessori materials is that most of them hold up extremely well with use.  However, used it still used.  Chipped paint is one thing.  Missing pieces are another.  Many of the traditional materials have small pieces that are easily lost such as the top cube of the pink tower or the smallest of the knobless cylinders.  Sellers generally discount items accordingly so it makes such a purchase attractive.  In some cases you can acquire replacement parts from the manufacturer but this becomes more difficult with certain direct-from-overseas suppliers.  Even though materials are fairly universal it doesn't mean that replacements match from one company to the next.  And of course, replacements have a cost both for the item itself and shipping that take away from the deal.  Before proceeding in such a case, find out who the manufacturer is and determine what your options are.  Most Montessori materials are designed with a great attention to detail.  A missing piece will most often remove all control for error.  Try to avoid the temptation to buy something incomplete just so you have it.  

8.  Consider The Quality
As the popularity of the Montessori Method has increased, so have the fly-by-night manufacturers.  Premium suppliers such as Nienhuis and Gonzagarredi produce materials with unparalleled quality and the price tag to match.  Discount suppliers such as Alison's Montessori and Montessori Outlet use less expensive base materials but still provide appropriate safety testing.  Direct from overseas products are similar to those of other discount suppliers but due to their distribution routes, they are generally not adequately safety tested for children.  If your new item has a terrible chemical smell, that's a high VOC level.  Yes, it's dangers for children.  If that has been overlooked then I can't help but wonder what other safety aspects have been overlooked.  Bonus tip for the US crowd...  look for a discount supplier that is a legitimate, long-standing business with a physical location in the United States and a working phone number.  It doesn't guarantee you'll avoid the issue but it helps.

With that said you may feel that only buying from premium suppliers is best.  Unless you are equipping an actual school where the item will see numerous sets of hands it probably isn't necessary.  While Nienhuis products are beautiful, the price of a used item often far exceeds the cost of buying the discount version from a reputable supplier.  Obviously, if your budget allows then go for it.  On the flip side, don't automatically jump at every discount piece you see.  Ask the seller to disclose the original manufacturer.  Then you can make the decisions as to whether or not that company has a safety record you are comfortable with.

9.  Examine Potential Risks
If you participate in any of the major Montessori buy/sell groups then you'll notice that there is a disclaimer letting the buyer know that the group is not responsible for the outcome of transactions.  As a buyer you are essentially on your own.  There is no one to help ensure you get what you paid for in the condition described and time frame agreed upon.  Depending on how the transaction is carried out, you may have little recourse if something does go wrong.  One of the biggest tips I can give in this area is to pay for your purchases via PayPal.  You are protected by Paypal's services and can file a dispute should something go wrong.  Be very leery of any seller that requests cash or other less traceable payment routes.  And NEVER give your credit card info.  There's no good way to know an individual seller's reputation on online groups so buyer beware.  And unfortunately, even an honest individual may not know to adequately pack something for shipping.  If you have questions about any aspect of a material or how the transaction will occur, ask up front.  Incorrect assumptions are a great way to ensure you'll be unhappy with the end result.


Part III will conclude our mini-series.  We will look at what to do when you find something intriguing but it isn't on your must-have list.

Ten Tips for Buying Used Montessori Materials: Part I

Ten Tips for Buying Used Montessori Materials: Part I

Thursday, August 15, 2013 / No Comments

Given the cost of implementing Montessori, joining the various used curriculum online groups is tempting.  While many individuals have found great deals, not all listings are worth your limited budget.  Over the next three posts I will share ten tips for making the most of the used Montessori material market.

They will be divided as follows:
Part I - Before You Join a Used Material Sale Group
Part II - When You Find an Item You Need
Part III  -When You Find Something Intriguing You Don't Need

1.  Decide What You Need
My number one tip is also THE most critical piece of advice I can give.  When you are newer to Montessori, it's easy to think, "Well, I need everything" and simply start trying to purchase anything and everything you can get your hands on.  Stop and get a plan.  I know how enticing Montessori is.  It's hard to learn about something so amazing without wanting to reorganize your house that very day.  Take the time you need to get your mind around it.  Everyone will be far better off if you take a month or two to understand what you need, why you need it, and how to present it correctly.  And until you take this critical step, your impulse buying will run you in circles.  And a bonus tip... your most critical purchase is your albums.

2.  Determine When You'll Need It
Montessori is grouped in three-year age spans.  This means that some materials may not be needed for two full years.  And of course, if you are only planning to home school up until Kindergarten (and no, I won't give my lecture on the importance of the final year) then there are some you will not need at all.  Become familiar with the order of presentations in your albums (scope and sequence).  Focus on the items you need in the immediate future (6-8 months).  Yes, it's tempting to jump on a great deal for something you'll need in a year or two, but keep in mind that if your budget is limited, then you may be robbing yourself of something you need today.  

3.  Estimate Cost Plus Shipping from Discount Suppliers
I can't tell you how many times I've seen a used Montessori item sell for twice what I paid for mine new even before shipping.  In fact, it happens on a regular basis.  Get to know the market for supplies from reputable discount suppliers.  I know I've mentioned before that Alison's Montessori is my favorite for a host of reasons (check the Bargain Basement).  It's also important to add shipping into the equation because it varies vastly with each supplier and will make an impact on your bottom line.  I highly suggest keeping a general price list alongside your wish list.  Then it will be easy to see just how good of a deal you're really getting.

4.  Realistically Face Your Budget Constraints
It's easy to find yourself in a money pit with any method of home schooling, although Montessori tends to get you there faster than most.  It's important to understand what you can spend before you spend it.  As I mentioned in tip number two, the most critical items are those you will need in the near future.  Knowing your limits will help you focus your resources on the important things and ensure impulse buys don't unexpectedly dominate your spending.  And of course, don't forget that your school experience will cost more than just the materials.  Don't forget to add other incidentals such as office supplies, basic consumables and general needs.  Printer ink, colored pencils and work trays aren't free!


Stay Tuned for Part II - When You Find an Item You Need