This is an educational model named after Italian educator and psychiatrist Maria Montessori – you have probably heard of Montessori schools. While this method is much more common in paid schools, it can easily be adapted to homeschools.

The Montessori method relies on creating an orderly environment that encourages children to explore their own interests. At the most basic level, the learning environment (your home) is set up with several learning stations using real materials. Children are invited to explore them in any order they choose, for any length of time they choose. The parent/teacher facilitates but does not direct the child’s activity. In fact, it is considered downright wrong to interrupt a child’s exploration! (If only my kids followed that guideline while I’m working!)

Maria Montessori believed that children are not “blank slates”, but instead have an innate desire to learn. They should be given opportunities to develop their own interests and take ownership of their learning. Younger children are not pushed to engage in any specific activity. Children are grouped in age ranges instead of grades, and can learn from each other as they explore.

The materials used in a Montessori environment are carefully thought out. “Pretend play” takes a backseat to working with the real thing. For example, real kitchen tools and simple recipes with ingredients would be preferred to a toy kitchen. A child’s closet storage would be designed close to the floor so he can easily put things away or choose the day’s clothes.

The Benefits

The Montessori Method is great for young children that need movement and play. By combining quality environments with their natural curiosity, you can create a perfect learning storm. This method also lends itself to special needs children (for which it was originally designed) and gifted children. Children can move through each learning activity at a pace that suits them.

Even though there is order in the creation of the environment, there is quite a lot of flexibility in designing activities. Art and creativity are encouraged. Many children end up learning more deeply because they are allowed to explore an activity to their heart’s desire without interruption.

The Disadvantages

Montessori schools are usually brick-and-mortar locations that serve many children through the years. The materials are high quality and designed to last. But as a result, they can be very expensive. True Montessori schools don’t use plastic materials, but favor natural materials that can bring more delight and tactile experiences. You may end up DIY-ing many of your own materials to reduce cost.

Because Montessori was originally designed for elementary aged children, the resources for middle and high school students are sparse. The method changes a bit as well; high school students must complete specific courses to meet graduation requirements. It would be hard to imagine setting up stations for high schoolers to peruse at their leisure!

Many families that continue Montessori in the later years do so by completing the necessary courses while keeping a focus on interest led research and exploration. You can read a real-life scenario about that at Living Montessori Now.

A true Montessori teacher must be trained in the method. Of course if you are just teaching your own child you can forego the formal instruction, but because the strategies are unfamiliar to most of us and require some knowledge of child development, you may want to at least get your hands on some literature giving you more details. Michael Olaf resources can give you a good start.

Another consideration is the amount of preparation you will need to take. Creating a good Montessori environment takes time and thought. You won’t find a package solution that guides you – you’ll need to put it a lot of the legwork. But don’t let that deter you if you otherwise love the idea! This method has some great benefits for learning, especially when started early.

Resources

Living Montessori Now has a huge array of Montessori activities. Michael Olaf is a great resource on the details of the Montessori Method.

If your child is gifted or has special learning needs, you like very tactile learning environments, and your child does not need much push to learn, this method may suit you. Are you looking for something different? Check out other methods here.