Montessori Homeschooling

Dr. Maria Montessori developed the Montessori style of teaching. This style of teaching aims to duplicate the natural laws that a child would face in real life. The teacher's role is to control the environment, not the child. Studies have shown that children who are free to interact with their environment in this fashion develop an innate sense of self-discipline, natural curiosity and a love of order.

Who Would Benefit From This Teaching Method

This style of teaching works especially well with preschoolers because they have an innate desire to do everything by themselves. In the Montessori teaching method this would be addressed by finding ways that your child can participate in the day-to-day activities of life (i.e. cleaning, cooking, washing, gardening) with you. It is believed that these "adult" activities are the perfect backdrop for the learning experience. By allowing your child to have these opportunities to be independent you will give your child a great big boost in their self-esteem. However, many parents will continue using the Montessori method throughout the elementary school years as well. This only helps to continue benefiting the child in the areas of self-esteem and self-development.

What Is Involved In The Montessori Method

After preschool your child will begin doing artistic, cultural and scientific activities. Most parents will not allow their child to have a lot of television, junk food or time on the computer. Instead, they will carefully select the materials that are used and activities that are done within their homeschool. This doesn't mean that they will force their child to do something though because a key principal of the Montessori method is that a child is never forced to do any work.

Children are encouraged to participate in those things that are of interest to them. The cues that are given off by the child are then picked up on by the teacher who will help him with his interests. As such, the Montessori method truly focuses upon a child's inborn ability to learn from his surroundings. The teacher then works to further encourage this natural curiosity. This works well because whenever a child understands why he needs to learn something, he will actually love the learning process and all that is involved therein.