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!

by Heike Larson