The Montessori Method is used in both classroom settings (in Montessori schools, led by certified Montessori teachers) and home environments. It was developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, at the end of the 19th century. Here are some of the main tenets of the philosophy:
• Mixed age learning groups. In classrooms, it is common to group by a span of three years (ages 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, etc). Though this can vary slightly.
• Uninterrupted learning time. Students are often given a block of time and allowed to use it as they see fit.
• Students choose their own activities from a selection of options and follow a discovery model of learning. In other words, students are given materials but not much direct instruction.
• A prepared space with unique educational materials. There are some items specifically used in Montessori settings, with an emphasis on natural wooden materials and simple tools.
One goal is to allow children to pursue their interests through developmentally appropriate tasks and objects in a peaceful environment; creating learners who are self-led, capable, and independent.
Montessori for a homeschooler looks like learning alongside siblings with materials set up by a parent to accommodate self-led activities. Often these activities have a very practical life skills application or focus on one area of development. There is also plenty of open ended play and time to explore.
Here are the questions submitted about this method and my responses:
“How do you help your oldest ‘graduate’ to a bigger age group? They would be alone?”
I would say that age grouping applies to Montessori in a classroom setting. It’s how they organize learners rather than by strictly one year of age (like standard grade levels). In homeschooling, they would always physically be together. And they don’t formally “graduate” levels. It’s more of a natural progression. They work on what pertains to their level. Which may be similar (like my two year old and five year old having some overlap of materials). Or could be different with more of an age/skill span!
“Is it possible to correctly do this with only one child old enough?”
Yes! You do not need a group setting or sibling involvement to use the Montessori method. While this method values children observing and naturally learning from those older than them. That can simply apply to how they learn from observing you!
“How do you apply Montessori to a child who needs structure and a clear focus?”
I think the Montessori method actually provides a lot of structure and focus. Yes, it follows a discovery model (they discover and figure things out independently). But you are preparing the space. They know what to expect. You are putting their coat at a height they can reach themselves. You are providing a hand washing station they can use without help. You are placing intentional learning materials in an organized space free from distraction. I think there are many things about this method that would appeal to a child who thrives with structure. Peaceful environment is a significant aspect of Montessori as well. It is not chaotic. I think that is a misconception when it comes to methods that don’t involve sitting at a desk with a textbook. They can still involve a lot of order. And focus is actually emphasized by the fact that they are given a calm space and unlimited time! You don’t interrupt them and redirect their focus to the next activity. They move on when they’re naturally ready. The materials are different, but they are not endless. There are only a few things placed out for the day. It is very methodical.
So while in that case I think the method could lend itself to what the child needs, I would also add that if you look at a method and truly can’t find how it would align with who they are than it is not a fit. Homeschooling is definitely not trying to make a square peg fit in a round hole. It is entirely opposed to that. Say you completely fall in love with a method and want it to be the identity you claim. But it is just not conducive to how your child learns. It’s a no-go. Homeschooling is humbling. If often means putting aside our plans and expectations. Meeting our kids where they’re at and giving them the education they actually need. Not one forced upon them by a predetermined system.
To learn more about the Montessori method, I would recommend reading Dr. Montessori’s own writings. She authored many books. It is quite important to learn the details of a method straight from its primary source rather than relying on loose interpretations. The internet is full of examples of what I call Montessori-ish (aesthetically Montessori, but lacking its actual detail and reasoning). For example, one parent pointed out that a significant difference between the Montessori method and the Waldorf approach was the use of fantasy in the latter. To which another participant in the chat disagreed. It is fact that while Waldorf often incorporates mythology and fairy tales (which most would agree are fantasy), the Montessori method strictly prohibits such stories for the first six years of a child’s life and continues to limit them even after that stage. Dr. Montessori believed that children could not handle the use of fantasy story at young ages because they could not distinguish it from reality. You could argue semantics here and say those stories aren’t fantasy but rather just “imaginative” or “creative”. But the point is, when someone refers to Montessori and Waldorf holding majorly different views on storytelling, they are referencing very particular Montessori guidelines. You can perceive these methods differently to an extent, but studying the texts written by their founders allows you to see a clear outline of philosophies that are really not a matter of personal interpretation. They contain quite specific and unique ideas.
Personally, despite seven years of using certain Montessori materials and methods in our home I have never referred to our homeschooling style as true Montessori. Because I know that I do not agree with or follow certain clearly stated aspects of the method (like not permitting fairy tales!). Without that awareness, I would be incorrectly representing a philosophy. Which others would then learn from me; perpetuating an inaccurate application of what has been thoroughly explained in century old texts.
Emmy Goulet 