The Montessori Homeschooling Method is a unique and extremely popular educational philosophy that focuses on the natural developmental patterns of childhood.
It’s an approach to homeschooling that has many benefits for children including:
- A hands-on learning environment where students learn through experience
- A focus on independence and self-directed exploration
This article will discuss the Montessori homeschooling method as well as tips to help get you started.
To learn even more about various homeschooling approaches, check out 10 Different Homeschooling Methods You Need to Know.
What is the Montessori Homeschooling Method?
Montessori education is an alternative approach that does not rely on strict schedules and lessons but instead encourages curiosity-driven discovery.
It was first developed in the early 1900s by Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, who believed that children have a natural desire to learn.
Montessori based her methods on scientific observations coupled with her experience in working with special needs and disadvantaged children.
She noticed that the learning environment had a great impact on children and that giving them an opportunity to choose their own materials fostered their curiosity.
During Maria Montessori’s research, she concluded that there are four stages of learning which she termed the Four Planes of Development.
The First Plane (Early childhood, birth – Age 6):
Children explore the world through their senses and physical experience.
This stage is characterized by children’s need to explore, touch, hold, taste, smell, and hear everything.
The Second Plane (Childhood, Ages 6 – 12):
In this stage, children seek order to help them understand our world. They observe adults, learn and think for themselves, and begin to develop a moral compass. Montessori homeschoolers term this stage, cosmic education. Volunteer opportunities are often introduced at this stage.
The Third Plane (Adolescence, Ages 12 – 18):
During this stage, teens seek social and emotional independence from their parents. They continue volunteering in their community and develop deeper relationships with friends.
The Fourth Plane (Maturity, Ages 18 – 24):
Finally, in the fourth stage, young adults learn how they can contribute to humanity and in the process seek financial independence from their parents.
This method may be right for your family if you prefer a self-directed, hands-on learning approach to homeschooling.
What Are the Pros?
- Focuses on independent, hands-on learning
- Parents are seen as guides and observers
- Cultivates a love of learning
- Subjects are naturally intertwined to show their connectedness
- This method is inclusive as it was initially designed with special needs children in mind
What Are the Cons?
- Good quality Montessori materials are expensive
- An open-ended, loose curriculum may not be suitable for all
- There are not a lot of Montessori homeschool curriculum choices
- Geared towards preschool and early elementary kids. Parents will hae a hard time finding resources for older children.
Recommended Resources
Books
- Practical Guide to the Montessori Method at Home
- The Montessori Toddler
- Teaching Montessori in the Home: The Preschool Years
- Teaching Montessori in the Home: The School Years
- Montessori at Home: A Practical Guide
Blogs
Podcasts
Youtube Channels
Supplies
Popular Curricula & Teaching Materials
- Montessori for Everyone
- NAMC Homeschool Program
- Montessori By Mom (subscription box)
Homeschool Groups
Final Thoughts
The Montessori Homeschooling Method is worth learning more about if you’re seeking a method that focuses on hands-on learning and self-discovery.
This educational philosophy focuses on natural childhood developmental patterns to create a unique educational experience for children.
If you’re interested in learning about other homeschooling approaches, don’t forget to check out my blog post, 10 Different Homeschooling Methods You Need to Know.
What homeschooling method do you think would be best for your child? Let me know!
Xuan Klevecka is a Southern California-based homeschool mom, wife, and sometimes purveyor of vintage goods. She’s an Enneagram 5w4, a lover of good food, and a former middle school history teacher. You’ll either find her looking at road maps and daydreaming about her family’s next epic adventure or perusing recipes and cooking up a feast for the brood.
