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My 5-year-old son just started kindergarten and my turns-5-in-the-fall daughter just started transitional kindergarten (a California-specific program for kids with fall birthdays). I am homeschooling my kids this year, which is something I have been preparing myself to do for the last couple of years.
In this post I am sharing how and why I have chosen a Montessori-inspired educational approach for our homeschool. One of the biggest influences by far was the online Montessori training course I recently completed through KHT Montessori.
How did we become a Montessori-inspired homeschooling family?
Both of my kids were adopted as toddlers. QBoy joined our family first, and just after his third birthday we adopted XGirl. At the time she was just a few months shy of her third birthday (my kids are virtual twins). So after her adoption, I was suddenly home full-time with two preschool-age kids who were both really struggling, although for different reasons. QBoy was having a LOT of difficulty adjusting to the addition of a new sibling, and it really showed in his behavior. XGirl, on the other hand, adjusted nicely to our family but was EXTREMELY behind in her development.
My strategy for surviving the first very challenging months with both kids was to keep them busy from morning to night with fun, playful, and developmentally appropriate activities. As I researched activity ideas to entertain and educate my kids, I was continually drawn to the Montessori method. I read all I could get my hands on, and I started trying out some Montessori-inspired activities with my kids.
The more I learned about Montessori, the more I wanted to know, and the more I felt like it was the right approach for my family. But the information I was finding online felt a bit haphazard and piecemeal. So I was thrilled when I discovered KHT Montessori’s online course for parents and teachers of children ages 2-6. I signed up for the course, excited to receive the 12 core albums with hundreds of activity ideas to do with my kids. I was hopeful that the investment I was making in the class – both in time and money – would pay off for myself and for my kids. And boy has it ever!
I completed the class this past July. My understanding of – and appreciation for! – the Montessori method is so much greater now. And having access to KHT Montessori’s 12 core albums has been such a resource for doing developmentally appropriate educational activities with my kids. In fact, many of the activities I share here at Gift of Curiosity come directly from or are inspired by activities in KHT Montessori’s teaching albums.
What I like about Montessori
Montessori education respects the child: Montessori does not impose outside mandates on what kids should be expected to do. Instead, it recognizes that all kids develop at their own pace, and it respects children enough to allow them to develop at their own pace without being labeled as “delayed” just because it takes them longer to do something.
Montessori education meets the needs of diverse learners: A Montessori approach “follows the child.” This means that the curriculum is individually tailored to the interests and developmental level of each child. A child who has mastered a concept can move on to the next level without needing to wait for his or her peers to catch up. A child who needs more time to master a skill is afforded that opportunity without being rushed onto the next developmental task. A Montessori education is also multi-sensory, so kids who prefer different learning modalities all have a chance to shine.
Montessori education teaches kids to be independent: Early Montessori education emphasizes practical life skills to teach kids to do things for themselves. A proper Montessori environment is also set up to make it easy for kids to be independent. For example, kids in many Montessori classrooms are responsible for preparing their own snack and cleaning their own tables.
Montessori education teaches kids to be respectful: A Montessori education is built on a foundation of teaching kids to be respectful of their environment, including the people around them. Montessori education emphasizes grace and courtesy skills to teach kids proper manners and respectful behavior.
Montessori education aligns well with my approach to parenting: As a parent, I strive to respect my children as full-fledged people with valid thoughts and feelings and problems. I try to build them up – in an authentic way – rather than tear them down. Further, my approach to discipline is heavy on teaching and very (very!) light on punishment. Montessori takes a similarly respectful approach with children. A good teacher ensures that children are given opportunities to be successful with their work and doesn’t push to the point of frustration. A good teacher understands that children sometimes have very big feelings that should be handled in a respectful manner. A good teacher respectfully re-directs negative behavior in a way that teaches the child what he or she should be doing rather than simply punishing the child for doing something wrong.
Montessori education is supported by research: Recent research in the fields of neuroscience, education, and parenting support so many of the educational principles first put forth by Maria Montessori in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Montessori’s focus on presenting the concrete before the abstract, staying attuned to children’s “sensitive periods” for learning certain types of information, the notion that children learn best when they experience warm and consistent care, and the importance of the environment for stimulating early learning are just a few Montessori beliefs that have been validated by research in research years.
About the KHT Montessori online certificate course
KHT Montessori’s online certificate course is led by Karen Tyler, an AMS certified Montessori teacher who guides her students through all 12 albums as well as several book studies. By the end of the course, students will have an excellent understanding of the Montessori method and will have tons of tools at their disposal for engaging children ages 2-6 in Montessori activities. The next KHT Montessori course begins on September 15, 2014.
I highly recommend this training for anyone who would like to learn more about the Montessori method and who would like access to the 12 teaching albums covering language, mathematics, sensorial, practical life, physical science, botany, zoology, ecology, history, geology, geography, and astronomy. This course is perfect for homeschoolers, Montessori teachers who want to refresh their training, and preschool teachers who would like to add more Montessori activities to their preschool classrooms. You can get more details about this course on the KHT Montessori website.
The students that I service need independence skills. They also need to learn to be respectful to each other. I think learning some of the Montessori methods would really help them to gain the skills they will need in Kindergarten and throughout life.
I am a preschool inclusion teacher and I have used many different curriculums and social stories to transition my students into the world of exploration and learning, sharing and getting along. Montessori methods would perfectly fill in the deficits of traditional teaching methods.
I love the Montessori teaching philosophy! It is so respectful to the child and preserves their love of learning. On my site I have tutorials for making some of the Montessori material inexpensively, like the pink tower and golden beads.
I have long been interested in Montessori teaching methods and would like to learn more about it. I currently work with young students that need a lot of help and I think learning some of these strategies would help them.
My kids are preK and K. The perfect age to begin Montessori.
My kids are the same and I think they would greatly benefit with this model.
My son goes to a Montessori program once a week. He has blossomed, and I would love to be able to support that at home.
I am a teacher of 3 to 5 year olds and have always respected Montessori methods. Recently I have incorporated some methods encouraging independence, careful movement, and responsibility for self. I would like to add more Montessori techniques to my classroom as I think they would help my children in their educational careers and later life.
We are starting our first full year of homeschooling in September (after pulling our son out of the public school system last year from this new ‘full time junior kindergarten). I have younger children as well and I’m looking forward to being able to tailor their education to them! Not expecting them to tailor their learning skills to develop to the same as every other child in the grade. I have always had a passion for Montessori inspired activities as they grew!
I teach children with severe emotional and behavioural needs and this could be a key to unlocking their potential.
This is so exciting. I am the primary daycare for my three year old granddaughter and have been trying to use some Montessori activities in our day. I feel a little lost and this would be so helpful.
Would love to try the Montessori approach for my autistic son. Always thought it would be beneficial with self exploration and the manipulatives.
I work currently with students with autism. From reading your post many of Montessori’s methods and teachings would be ideal for works with my students. This would allow for each child to work at his own pace and knowing her methods would equip me with the skills and knowledge to better cater and plan for them.
I am very interested in the Montessori method. I do Montessori inspired activities with my child so this would be perfect! Thank you for the opportunity to try to win this!
I would like to win the KHT Montessori course because after 27 years of teaching children I am always interested in learning something new. I did a placement (many years ago) and have used some techniques over the years in my class. Immersing myself in the Montessori world might add some more tools in how I can inspire children to love learning.
I have a background in early childhood education and a respect for Montessori but no formal training in Montessori methodology. With three young grandsons, I’d love the opportunity to include Montessori activities in their learning and play activities. Thanks for the contest!
I’m starting homeschooling with my kindergarten-age son this year and I think this would be a good fit for him.
I’m interested in learning more about Montessori, it would be great for my kids’ ages and for potential homeschooling.
I love the way that the Montessori teaching methods have the child decide what they are going to work on giving them independence and confidence as they start their learning journey. I would love to learn more as a homeschooling mom!
I am a nanny of a wonderful three year old and she’s going to be starting preschool this fall. The Montessori style of learning will dovetail nicely into the two days of classroom learning she will have and will boost her education.
I have just recently started looking into the Montessori method of teaching and am in love with it! I feel it really prepares kids for life and helps my hands on kids learn better.
We love montessori here! We started homeschooling using montessori inspired method when my 7yo was 3. I now have a 4yo, 2yo, and newborn who is/will be learning with method as well! Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Katie,
I have worked with preschool children for 35 years. I am looking for a fresh way to approach teaching and to make learning more meaningful for the little ones.
Belinda
I would like to be able to provide my children with the gift of curiosity, creativity, learning through various experiences, go beyond memorizing information and regurgitating it on an exam then forgetting all about it. Montessori learning is outside the box and reaches children’s inner desire to explore and grow! I hope I’m lucky enough to be able to learn all about it!
I have been teaching preschool for 15 years and use Montessori based materials in my classroom. Winning the KHT course would give me more insight into Montessori teaching methods and approaches to use with my young learners.
I currently serve children ages birth to 5 yrs and try to incorporate activities to meet all their developmental needs. The Montessori approach is simply beautiful! The activities progress through the child’s development at their own pace. I would love to learn more and to earn a certificate in Montessori would be the apple on top. I am unable to afford additional education at this time, so this course would benefit both me and the children in my care.
I have been inspired by your active, developmentally appropriate, and engaging teaching activities for a year now. Thanks for sharing your gifts with other homeschool families the way you do!
Hi,
I would love taking these Montessori classes as I am homeschooling my little girl. She’ll be 4th in October and won’t be able to enter kindergarden before 2 more years. I already follow this philosophy at home but sometimes I would like to have an idea of the whole picture and not go from one activity to another. And I teach everything in French since it’s what we speak at home.:)
My son just turned 3. We live in NYC and the price of preschool is atrocious! My husband and I are both artists and teachers so we cannot possibly make enough money to send our child to school. I would love to teach him at home with Montessori method as I have assisted in many Montessori based preschools in the past. This is a great opportunity!
I am starting in this homeschool adventure this year and am excited and apprehensive at the same time! I’ve noticed in my kiddos the exact thing you’ve noticed in yours, that each one learns differently and at varied rates. I love challenging them and teaching them to love learning… It’s such a blessing to have so much information at their fingertips and I think that Montessori based learning is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Thank you for all your effort in helping so many other moms… It’s appreciated more than you realize!
I love the Montessori method. My daughter has the benefit of going to a wonderful Montessori school and she really loves it. I would love to do more for her at home too.
My husband and I have been constantly going back and forth about wether to home school or not. Currently my kiddos are 1 and 2, so we have time. I work with and teach them every day, and I love the fact that I am hands on with them. I love the Montessori teaching styles, and would love to learn more about them. I would love to win this giveaway so I can further my learning and to be able to successfully pass that knowledge to my children.
My daughter goes to a Montessori based preschool. I would love for her to stay in a Montessori school when she attends kindergarten but I am not sure we have the funds. Homeschool may be an option!
I have a degree in Early Childhood Education/Mild Intervention and will soon (in the next year, hopefully!) be completing my teaching license. I would love to incorporate Montessori methods into my future classroom and at home with my 2 1/2 yr old son. The Montessori method is an awesome foundation for lifelong learning!
This is the best opportunity ever! I’m trying to take this course since a year ago… it could change my family’s life. We will homeschool our daughters and we want to apply the Montessori philosophy in their whole education.
I would love to take this course to teach my girls in Russian. You can find Montessori schools here in the US with no problem but Russian ones are not existing. That is why I want to have this knowledge.
Want to homeschool my 2 girls. Next year I will have a 2 and 5 year old. I’m trying to soak in all I can learn now so I can be the best teacher they could have. This would be an amazing tool!
Thanks for the introduction to this program! As a mom with a little one in kinder and a special needs child – I have so far found the Montessori method the best way to teach them – even my special needs kiddo!! This program encompasses so much of what I believe my kids need at this stage! Katie – thanks for all your efforts, introducing this program and for the neat printables …. makes my life a little easier!
Hi! I´m form Argentina. I have 6 children and I love Montessori-oriented education, but there are a few (and very expensive) courses here. I´love to have access to this course.
I am planning to home school my twin girls, currently 2 yr. old, and have heard a lot of positive comments in regards to Montessori. It would be a great way to start of pre-school and encourage them to learn at their own pace rather than trying to “follow” what the other one is doing.
I would love to win this, what an awesome giveaway!
I have two children under 3-years-old, and I’m in the midst of formulating what method of homeschooling will work best for our family. Both my husband and I are teachers by profession (though I’m now a stay-at-home-mom), but some of the free-style homeschooling approaches appeals to me a lot more than the traditional classroom mindset I would have previously taught out of.
I hope to learn the Montessori way so that it will benefit my 2 year old daughter, whom i’m sure will pass on the love for learning to children around her. This is true as Montessori focuses on learning through play, learning unknowingly when they are playing and this is something i firmly believe in. I can’t wait to see children being influenced to love learning!
I’ve been wanting to homeschool my daughter (who just turned 3) since she was born so I’ve been doing a lot of research. The Montessori method pars a lot with what I want to do with her. This would be a fantastic resource!
I’ve been looking for a Montessori style curriculum to use for PreK at home, this sounds like it might be a great fit for our family!
I worked in a Montessori school and fell in LOVE with the method. I’ve been trying to attend a montessori school for myself so that I can become certified. Financially it is out of reach and lifestyle wise I function as a single mom due to my husbands schedule. So paying for school and daycare is definitely out of reach. This would answer my prayers – I can do it from home and it fits into the budget. Fingers crossed!
I have adopted 4 year old twins I’ve decided to homeschool. I’d love to learn how to do this better! I think this Montessori course would be just the ticket.
I have always been interested in the Montessori method, especially as a special education teacher. I would love to have the opportunity to broaden my knowledge base to better serve not only my own children (age 4 and 5), but my students as well.
I have a 3yo and just organized a home school co-op this year. We have 3 students. I love it and would like to continue. I would love to have more knowledge of Montossori training so this would be so great!
My son is 4 and we weren’t able to get him a pre-school spot this year, I think this would be an excellent way to prepare him for Kinder next year.
I want to get my daughter ready for kindergarten next fall!
I want to win because I am just starting out my homeschool journey with a 2,3, and 4 year old, and this whole program and way of teaching sounds amazing!!! What a great giveaway!!!
I would love to win, because we are a Montessori-loving family! I am currently working on my teaching license and have considered switching to a Montessori program. i would love to win this!
I am a homeschooling mom to many and would love to take this course to improve my teaching skills.
I have been reading about Montessori learning for a long time and would like to take this course to use with my grandson.
I’d like to win because I love Montessori! I think it’s great to let a child explore their world and discover things through doing. My second child is more of a do-er than my oldest, and I’ve really been looking for something for her. This would be great.
I have just started homeschooling my preschooler and I’ve been interested in Montessori methods for years. This course would be a great benefit for me and my children.
This offer is amazing!! I can’t say it enough: I would be so happy to attend the Montessori course! Thank you for giving your reader this amazing chance!
I’ve been wanting to do Montessori activities with my daughter, but there is so much info out there. This would be absolutely perfect.
I am planning on signing up for this course anyways 🙂 what a great giveaway to win!!!
I have been interested in learning Montessori for awhile because I feel it would be a great fit for my sons ages 4 and 1. This seems like the perfect opportunity to do just that! 🙂
We are starting our homecoming journey too and I’d love to learn more about Montessori!
I work with preschoolers at a daycare and think this would be a phenomenal option for my kids.
As a young child, I was taught using the Montessori method. Now that I am a mom, I would like to use it with my own children.
As a teacher of young children with special needs, I am always seeking to increase the items in my toolbox to best meet the needs of a very diverse group of learners. I have no formal training in Montessori teaching, and I am sure the children I serve would benefit from knowledge I would gain in this course.
I am so excited to use a Montessori approach as I do preschool with my son!
I LOVE Montessori! I first learned about it in an early childhood development course I took in college a few years ago. I’ve read and heard tidbits since then, but I had no idea they offered online certification (kind of a “duh” moment for me right now, since my above mentioned college class was also online!)! I just started homeschooling my kindergarten-age daughter, and I have a 2 1/2 y/o whom I will be teaching eventually too! And someday I reeeeeally want to adopt another (or more)! I love that yours are adopted, and reading about the great care you’re taking to help them overcome their struggles!
I operate a state licensed in home daycare. This would be such a great addition to my program, and one I could never afford to offer if not a give a way. Thank you so much for the opportunity to get in on this!
I have 2 little sons. We live in Ukraine. But speak in 3 languages. We want to win this course very much. Katie! Thanks for your free Printables! They are amazing!
I would love to win this exciting offer to be able to take Montessori on line classes. I always believe in the Montessori way of teaching.
I have been using Montessori inspired methods for several years and love it!
I teach Head Start. Last year my classroom was Montessori and I was transferred into the class mid-year after returning from maternity leave. I had no formal Montessori training, having just studied the philosophy behind the idea in college. This year, we have changed curriculum but I really want to keep some Montessori elements to my classroom for my returning students.
I currently teach 4 year olds in a theme based preschool and have been looking into using Montessori methods to supplement the curriculum. It would be great to get some training and resources to use in my classroom. Thanks! 🙂
I believe that expanding your knowledge is something you never look back on and say, I wish I hadn’t done that. I have found Montessori learning to be very interesting and would love to expand my knowledge.
I have a 2 yr old and a 4 yr old that this would perfect perfectly with. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
I have worked with preschool children for many years and have seen ways of learning change from one year to the next but the Montessori way has been around for what seems like a life time. There is a reason that it is still going strong while others have come and gone. It is proven to work, be fun and entertaining. Children think they are just playing and exploring they don’t realize how much they are learning.
I am so excited to find ways to enrich my teaching with the integration of a Montessori approach!
I want to begin homeschooling my son next year, but I have no idea where to start. This would give me a great start!
I am a private nanny to three children. The older two attend a Montessori school, but this program I could use at home with the youngest. I also have four children of my own. Our youngest has Autism, and I feel this approach would benefit him.
We are currently homeschooling our 5 year old and will be homeschooling our 3, 2, and 1 year olds as well as our newborn. We could get so many years of great use out of this fantastic curriculum that we wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise.
My kids were in a Montessori school before we moved and I struggle to recreate that environment at home. I would very much love this opportunity!
i have read a few articles about the montessori approach and this would be useful if I win. Thank you for sharing.
I am hoping to learn how to use Montessori in my preschool and also to home school my kiddos!
I’m so excited to homeschool my daughter who’s preschool age now, but feel like I need some more resources and education to really engage her. I think this would be such a great resource!
This would be wonderful to win! I’ve always been curious about the Montessori method and would love to try it out on my 3 kids.
I would like to gain more knowledge about montessori approach to teach my kids.
I am a homeschooler of a 6 year old, 5 year old, and 2 year old. I also volunteer in a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium, which is a Montessori based program. Winning this giveaway would be phenomenal for both my homeschool and our atrium. Thank you.
I am a teacher assistant for Head start. I have been in the early childhood field for 20 years. I have some college courses but have never been able to finish because of my family. I have self taught my self much about Montessori and ran a Montessori inspired home childcare center before joining the head start staff. I would love some type of formal Montessori training. Thanks:)
I love montessori teaching philosophy. Kids will be independent and respectful. I try my best to set up a montessori environment for my kids.
I have a three year old little girl. We’ve just moved to another country and for the first time I am a stay-at-home mom. Since the schools in England start at four, I need to get her ready to start school, but I feel completely unprepared and inadequate for the job. This training would give me the tools I need to prepare her for school in 14 months.
I am from Germany and haven’t heard of an online course here, so I would be very happy to win that distant learning course!
I’m starting to home school my little girl this year and I’m already so overwhelmed by all the info I have gathered thus far on the net. I would love to do this course as I think the Montessori approach is a perfect fit for us! Thank you so much for your amazing blog and free printables, I always look forward to receiving your email updates every week!
While I’ve built a good little start in our little heliotrope purple homeschool school room, I long for Montessori training, and I need a guide for lessons and subjects because, although I’m getting practical life and some Math, the other subjects in Montessori feel so foreign. We have quite a few practical life works that even my almost-two-year-old boy is interested in and trying! He loves snuffing the candle, the puzzles, and tongs and colored puff balls best right now! My six-year-old is really into the dropper and water work! She needs to learn calm and contemplativeness, and she is just that as she works! I’ve created so much on my own with what feels like hundreds of hours reading, researching, and shopping thrift stores! It has made my joy of guiding their learning grow leaps and bounds!!! I’m proud of my efforts, and the children sense that! Our moveable alphabet fascinates my daughter. Touching the beautiful letters and cherishing their sounds and feel as they clack and jostle in her hands has drawn out a newly developing love of spelling! Our geo shapes are clear plastic and can open to be filled with rice. Who wouldn’t love them? We fold, transfer, spoon, cut, pour, dust, lace, and stamp. Our sand and sandpaper letters are helping remove a dread of handwriting, and our start to this Montessori world of learning has never felt so right!!
This new path of learning and teaching has all of us better growing in our faith, our senses of self, and for me as a mother and teacher! I am finally feeling that I am on my right path! Thank you for helping me on this journey!
I am a young kindergarten teacher from Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Next year I will start to teach in Montessori kindergarten. By then we are preparing the environment in Montessori kindergarten and educating for Montessori teachers. I am very interested to learn many things about Montessori method,and that can be useful in my future work.
I would love to win! My son is 3 years old and we are starting our home preschool this fall. I love what I know about Montessori and would love to gain a deeper knowledge of what it entails. I can see so much of the sensitive times and would like to know how to engage them further! Thanks for giving me this opportunity to win!
Love the hands on activities. My students would really benefit from them! 🙂
With a preschooler, toddler, and another on the way, I really need something to keep the littlest ones interested and occupied. Montessori seems like a gentle way to keep them busy with beneficial things!
It would be a great way to learn more about Montessori and how to incorporate it more in my prek classroom.
Het zou fantastisch zijn als deze methode onze kant op komt. Thuisstudie voor de jonge kinderen die hier dagelijks komen. Het is een aanreiking.
This is a wonderful give away. I’ve tried to do some Montessori activties with my children because I love the philosophy. This would be a wonderful oppurtunity to learn and turn our 4 child homeschool Montessori.
I like Montessori teaching but I don’t have much experience implementing it with my 3 and 1.5 yr old. Would love to learn more about it in depth!
i am currently a family day care educator in Australia. i have always had an interest in Montessori learning and have used some of the inspired montessori activities with the children in my care. currently i am looking to challenge myself and extend my experience in early childhood education after just finishing my diploma. Learning about Montessori and the way it teaches would give me more understanding of the theory behind it. all of my children have enjoyed the experiences i have so far used and yes it does not limit their exploration of an activitity it opens up new avenues of learning for them and challenges them to think for themselves. all i need to do is understand more about it myself so that i have the skills to teach with it the way it should be taught.
I have a nearly two year old daughter and have been finding resources online and at the local library – a package like this would be fantastic!
I have five children that I home school. My youngest two would benefit and enjoy Montessori style of learning. We love the independence and exploration of the philosophy. I’m reading up constantly on how to incorporate Montessori in my home. This would be a great opportunity for my children and my older ones I am sure would benefit, too!
I’ve been learning about Montessori since my first one was born 2 yrs ago. While I’d very much want to get this course for myself and my son, I do have a nephew with developmental delay (secondary to undiagnosed congenital hypothyroidism) on the autism spectrum, and would like to help support his mom thru this course. She is in a country where the resources for such children are non-existent, and I’m sure this little boy will flourish with the montessori approach.
I am curious to learn more about the Montessori approach. My children are 2 and 3 and i have been looking for material to teach them with. Thanks
I’m about to start homeschool preschool with my 3 year old and would love to learn more to better teach him!
My kids are Pre-K, and I would love to learn more about this!
I have just started working at a Montessori Centre (in Australia) and love it! I would love to get some training in Montessori as South Australia (where I live) has no Montessori training available. I absolutely love how each child is treated as an individual and grow at their own pace and can guide their learning.
I work with a young urban population that would greatly benefit from the respect and independence that is taught as part of the Montessori curriculum. I also want want to impart the academic learning to my students as well, but have not been able to afford the classes.
I want to win because I could never afford to do something like this without winning it. I would love to learn as much as possible to teach my kids what they need to know, and winning this would give me a better understanding of how to teach my kids the Montessori way.
I am currently homeschooling my 4 year old and love the Montessori style. I would love to learn even more.
I fell in love with Maria Montessori and her teachings more than 25 years ago. I am still teaching preschool and now I like her system more than ever. Having a mixed age group that include children with ADHD and SPD, I know that I am able to meet their individual needs so much better when I use the Montessori approach. I would so much love to be able to take this course!
I am home with my two daughters (2.5 and 1 years old). I have been planning studies and doing preschool activities with my older daughter for about a year. I’m interested in the Montessori method and have read several books on it but feel as if I’m missing key components for elementing the approach. I would love the chance to participate in a formal study of it!
7 years ago I was offered an assistant teaching position in a Montessori school but had to turn it down because I’d just learned I was expecting. I’ve always wished I could have taken the job. I would have learned a lot in preparation for schooling my own children (we now have 4).
WOW! I’ve been excited about this since I saw the subject line! I’ve read every word on the KHT website and blog and am so excited this type of course exists! Why didn’t it occur to me to look?! Thank you so much for the information and give-away! I’m thrilled!!!
I think this would help our homeschooling.
Hi, I’m new to all this blog stuff etc. am not sure if this is where I’m meant to leave my comment regarding why I would like to win this prize but here goes. I had heard of Motessori before but never really new what it was. After reading this post & being a parent of a very bright, happy energetic 5yr old girl I am certain this form of learning would be best suited to her. Quite frankly I think this form of learning should be the norm/mainstream. It just makes sense.
I am currently homeschooling my 2 children aged 3 and 1 using Montessori principles. I would love to have a course to direct and influence me in the Montessori approach and show me how to keep my children engaged. I have heard wonderful things about KHT’s course too!
I would love to use this curriculum to homeschool my twin girls!
I would love to win this giveaway because I love the Montessori method. I have a child of preschool age but we can’t afford to put her in a traditional preschool class so I am just teaching her at home this year. She’s bright and winning this would give me the resources I need to make it a fun year for us before she enters school officially!
I would love to use the Montessori teaching philosophy with my boy
My kids attend a Montessori school and have never been better! My son is 9 and my daughter is 4. They both thrive with the Montessori system! I would love to be able to further support them at home.
Hi, I’m a Mum of two preschoolers and also a Teacher of the Deaf working with families with preschoolers so I’m always on the lookout for good, practical ideas of things to do with kids. The Montessori method has always interested me and I’d love to develop a more in depth understanding of the Montessori way.
This course is a wonderful opportunity! I know a little about Montessori and have been able to use Montessori materials in the past. I have been really impressed with them. It would be helpful to learn more of the philosophy and how to use the materials as they are meant to be used. I work with both children with special needs and typical children and it is very clear that the knowledge I would gain from this course would be beneficial for anyone. It would also benefit the adults I work with and, potentially, create a lot of change. Thanks so much to you and KHT for offering this! Someone will be a very lucky person!
I would love to win this package to become a better preschool teacher at my home daycare. I am extremely interested in the Montessori teaching method and agree with all of their standards. I believe with that type of foundation these kids could really have a positive education beyond preschool.
We plan on homeschooling our two girls and I have heard a lot about Montessori but don’t have a full grasp on it. Would love an opportunity to learn more about the principles and approach….sounds wonderful. Thank you!
I suddenly became a homeschooler this year with no clue! I’ve learned about education for the first time really I’ve loved learning about the Montessori approach and would love to use it with my 5 year old. This blog really inspires me! Thanks! 🙂
Maria Montessori’s approach to teaching was groundbreaking. My son attended a a Montessori preschool and KG and his schooling always kept up with his needs and expanded his knowledge through the senses and exploration. I’m hoping to use this wonderful learning philosophy with my 3 y/o, whom I’m having the joy to home-school. A Montessori curriculum would provide us with a structure to follow in her learning.
I have always wanted to learn more about this way of teaching. I truly believe kids learn better with hands on activities
I am homeschooling my son for preschool and am hoping to continue in the future. This would be such a wonderful resource for our family!
I would love to win! We tried a Montessori school for my son last year, but the school wasn’t the best fit for what I wanted for him. I LOVED how they taught by having children discover on their own, though!!!
I am intrigued by Montessori concepts, but I don’t know enough to make the full jump for my kids. So, this online opportunity sounds like a great way for me to learn more.
I would LOVE to use this for my own children. We will begin homeschool next year!
What a great giveaway! I would love to learn more about Montessori teaching for my 3 girls (between the ages of newborn and 4 years) that I plan on homeschooling!
My older child attends a Montessori school, but I want to homeschool my younger two for preschool. I have an education background and fully embrace the Montessori ideas, but I want to have a better understanding of Montessori theory.
This year is my first year homeschooling and I have 4 kids under the age of 6. My oldest daughter attended Montessori for 2 years and I was in awe of how she developed. Because of that I have begun using Montessori inspired activities for my 9 month, 2 and 4 year old – but similar to you it’s all kind of pieced together. I would really love the opportunity to learn the proper way so that I can take full advantage of all that the montessori method has to offer. Thanks!
We love the idea and thought of Montessori schooling… as every child is different and everyone has their own unique features… and in Montessori we get a chance to really tap that skill,talent and give atmosphere to flourish ,nurture their overall development.. we trying to understand the same thing with our 3yr old daughter.. we would love to introduce her to the kind of schooling she will enjoy.. and learn we are really looking forward to start Montessori home schooling this year..so We hope this certificate course would really help me for a stronger lifetime foundation for my kid…
thanks for this giveaway and for giving us chance…
My boys are 5, 3.5, 2, and 7 months — I pretty much have a Montessori classroom at home already, age-wise! I’ve implemented a few things in our homeschool preschool but would love to have the resources to do more.
I would love to learn more about teaching my 4 & 2 yr old.
I do a home preschool with my 3 and 4 year old girls and some of our friends. I have always been inspired by the Montessori method and would love to learn more about how to use it in our home and preschool. Thanks!
Wow! This sounds like a great course. I would love the chance to teach my children with these methods. I have one son who has sensory processing disorder, and it seems my daughter is following in her big brothers footsteps. This course seems like a great fit for my family. Thanks
I would love to win a whole year of curriculum! I would love to find a whole year’s worth of curriculum in one place because my scatterbrained mind wants to teach everything I see. It would be so much better to limit myself (for me, but mostly for my son) to one single curriculum and not try to cram everything under the sun into our learning! I really think that a Montessori program is something that would appeal to him (and me) and his learning style.
I love using Montessori inspired activities with my preschooler and I would love to learn more. Thank you for such an awesome giveaway.
I would love to learn more about the Montessori methods. I have two little ones that would benefit greatly, on a side note a wonderful blog you have here, I have learned a great deal already. Thank you.
I am starting to do a little preschool homeschooling for my three and four year olds and would love to learn more about the Montessori method to help me do a better job!
I’d like to win because I’d like to learn more about Montessori
Wow what an amazing prize! I’ve just started learning about Montessori from a friend and I would love to win this because I feel like there is so much to know and I need a structured programme to make sure I teach my kids the right things.
I would love to win this so that I can introduce ‘real’ Montessori to fellow Malaysians and at the same time educate myself and teach my children.
I’d love to learn more about Montessori and have an opportunity to better parent/educate my kiddos through the Montessori method.
I have 2 girls, 3 years and 6 months. I have been replicating Montessori activities which I learn from the different websites. Love the Montissori way because it’s age-appropriate. Would love to learn more n start right for my #2.
I’m very interested in the Montessori program – I have a 5 yr old starting kindergarten and a 3 yr old. The structure would be great!
I would love to win. I have started homeschooling my kiddo, but I love the montessori approach. I have been piecing together activities, but would love more structure for me!
Help me to do it myself!!! 🙂
I’d love to win this course. I’m going back to teaching preschool soon and I’m rusty. I’ve always wanted to learn more about Montessori methods as well!
I would love to win the Montessori program. This is my first year homeschooling and I could use all the help I can get! I am very familiar with the Montessori principles and love all they teach and represent. Both my child and I would be blessed to receive this course.
Thank you!
“T.”
‘There are no bad dogs, just untrained owners’
My husband and I have been thinking about homeschooling our daughter and I would love to do this so I can learn more about the Montessori concept!
My daughter is 4 and I think she would learn beautifully with this method!
I had never really followed any particular method intentionally with my daughter, but the Montessori approach seems aligned to everything I want for her and have been trying to teach. I can’t wait to learn more!
I’ve been wanting to sign up for this course just don’t have the budget for it. It would be a great resource to have as a homeschooling parent of 4 preschoolers.
I LOVE Montessori! What a great chance to be trained with a great program. I am guiding my 4 year old grandson and would love to have more training.
Thanks for sharing
We try to tailor our homeschool to the method that our children learn best. Winning this contest would assist us in doing so. We are disabled combat veterans on a fixed budget, this would help us in our goal of teaching our children the way they learn best!
This would be wonderful! I teach preschool and have a Montessori 1-6grade certification (AMS). I am in my second year at the preschool and would love to bring more Montessori into the daily lessons for my age group.
My son is Kindergarten age. This would be perfect to start him with a home school curriculum.
I want to win the Montessori program. I like it a lot. I am a mom of two girls 3 and 4 and I need this Montessori program.
Honestly this is the first time I have heard of the Montessori Method and I have to say I am quite intrigued. I have a 2 year old and a 5 year old. The 5 year old struggles with his work a great deal and the 2 year old loves to sit down and do “work” with him. I would love the opportunity to be able to teach them.
An awesome giveaway!
My grandchildren would love this! We always do school when they are here! (I babysit them and try to teach while they are here).
My sister was a Montessori teacher for many years and she inspired me to find out more about it. I was struck by its attention to children’s natural development as well as its organic sense of curriculum. I’ve been teaching for about 30 years now–currently in a pre-k 4 classroom and I’m still attracted to its principles which are seemingly timeless. Getting to do a certificate program would be absolutely enriching for not only the students I work with, but myself as well.
I am homeschooling my little brother. I would love to learn more about Montessori. Montessori is very intriguing to me. I think it really enables students to learn.
We’re also a Montessori-inspired homeschooling family with 3 small children, would benefit a lot from the course!
I have LOVED Montessori learning since I had first discovered them!! This is such an awesome giveaway!!!
This style of learning really appeals to me as I strive to train my preschoolers. I have homeschooled for 20 years so far, but my little people are the ones who get left behind.
I would like to win because I feel it would greatly benefit my 3 year old twins who are currently home. One is speech delayed and I feel both could truly benefit from the program based on the web research and blog-hopping I’ve done so far. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
I would love to introduce Montessori to my two little ones!
I think it would be really useful to have this education and these skills to help my daughter, who just started kindergarten. We have been wavering on public school vs homeschool, and may still end up homeschooling, depending on how things go. I only wish I had known about the program earlier! 🙂
I recently completed my MAT in K – 6 and TSWD and I was all set to teach my first 1st grade class this year. Then I found out that we’re expecting our second little girl in November. And I decided to stay home and set up a montessori based home learning program for my oldest.
We’d like to win this because it is always easier for me to stay organized with a whole curriculum instead of something I piece together on my own.
I would love to win because educating children is my passion. There is nothing more amazing then helping a child learn and develop. It’s up to the teacher to find the best methods to help children learn and develop to be the best person they can be. Each child is unique and deserve a unique approach by the teacher to educate them. This would help me be a better educator. Thank you for the opportunity.
I would like to win, because I would love to learn more about it! So my 3kids will learn from it, and the kids at my work! I love the philisofy, and would love to learn
My daughter stays at home during the day with my husband. Since she isn’t in a daycare, we need ideas for teaching her the basics.
I want to homeschool my son but my husband disagrees. I have one more school year to convince him! Free material would really help my cause!
I will be homeschooling my grandson, either partially or wholly since his parents both work. While he is three now, he is advanced so needs a program where he can move at his own pace. I believe that Montessori inspired methods will best meet his needs. I need to be more informed so I can help his parents understand and meet the needs of this amazing little person.
I want to win because I think this may be the best for my pre K son, and well if I won I could afford to give it a go.
The 2 year old and 4 year old in my life (and all children) deserve to have the natural challenge Montessori provides to learn, think, reason and explore.
I would like to win to help me be a better homeschool teacher.
a great site and resources
I came across the Montessori approach much like yourself and just keep being drawn back to it. I have 2 kids in the 2-6 age range (one who was in traditional preschool and labeled ‘delayed’ but he is so super smart!! He just ‘thinks’ differently than other developing kiddos) and we are planning to homeschool. Winning this would be totally cool!! And awesome start to ‘formal’ homeschooling. Great giveaway!
We just started our second year of Pre-K homeschool and I would love to use these Montessori resources to add to our experience this year.
This would benefit my preschool classroom greatly! I do Montessori inspired activities with the children in my class, so this would be a perfect addition! Thank you very much!
I am a mother of 2 toddlers whom I try to educate using Montessori philosophy. Soon, I will open a daycare for the little ones and I would like to incorporate this method of teaching. I think it is one of the best way to raise independent, confident and intelligent adults. Montessori education respects the differences in kids, their needs and allows them to develop in their own pace. Thus, I want to take this course to have a proper education on this subject, so I can guide the precious little munchkins in their beginnings.
I love Montessori teaching!! I am homeschooling my gal who is 3 years old now and my 3 months old boy is patiently waiting for his turn!! I would love to gain more knowledge and ideas to continue our homeschooling journey.
I would like to have proper training on Montessori in order to homeschool my daughter who is in preschool level.
This course would be a great resource in helping me help my grandchildren outside of their regular classroom. I like the idea that it is respectful of children and doesn’t lump them all together. Different learning styles are accommodated.
Thank you for the chance to win! I enjoyed reading your blog post. I struggle with activities for my son and I think this is what he needs.
Hi! I just moved overseas and am looking for homeschool options for my 2 and almost 4 year old girls. This would be a great way for me to help them learn and grow. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
I would love to win this for my 5 year old son whom I will be starting Kindergarten with on Monday! 🙂 I love the Montessori approach to teaching! 🙂
Looking for the best way to teach my 5 year old 🙂
My son will soon turn two years old. I love giving him as much homeschooling as possible even at this young age.
I looked into this a few months ago. It would be so wonderful to win!
I used to sub at a Montessori preschool and I really enjoyed it. I now run my own preschool program and have incorporated some of the methods into my program, however, I would like to learn more about it and how to effectively incorporate them into my program and my teachings. I love the Diversity of all the ways of teaching and would love this amazing opportunity.
I have my AAS degree in Early Childhood Development. I have studied many forms of teaching and Montessori is fascinating to me. An opportunity to study this method will be a great help in my current position as a preschool teacher’s aide and in the future as a teacher (I hope.) My goal is to be a Head Start teacher and I feel this course will help me immensely.
I hope to expose Montessori to my 3 years old boy.
Hi,
I would love to learn more about the Montessori philosophy. I’m all for making children motivated for learning, and enabling them to learn instead of telling them what to learn and when.
Also I’m applying for a teaching position on a Montessori school in the Netherlands, and it would be great to follow this course and maybe bring fresh idea’s in the Dutch method. Based on your website and the idea’s here, that wouldn’t be a problem.
Hello, I think Montessori would bless my family loads, as I have 2 older girls and 2 younger boys that I HS and I have heard only great things about it. It would be a great opportunity for the older girls to teach the younger boys as learning through activity is most rewarding and engages the children. Opening up a love and joy for learning.
Stacey Newland
I have two sons, ages 2 and 3. I have followed this website for the last year, incorporating Montessori based activities into our daily lives. In my life before kids I taught music at a Montessori school and fell in love with the philosophy. I love the independence that it fosters. I would love more training in regards to the behavioral aspects that the Montessori method addresses. Not only would my own children benefit from this, but also my music students.
I would love to learn more about Montessori and start activities with my kids.
I hit send without posting my commentary. However, I would love to win this giveaway as I do have a passion for teaching my kids. I have searched and utilized other methods of the Montessori method of teaching like gearing their playroom and bedrooms. I would definitely love to learn more and apply Montessori methods to my teaching.
I’d love to win this course to be able to teach my 2 y.o. and a new baby to do it themselves. Now I use online resources, blogs and suport groups, but I feel that I lack the basics and I miss the general viewpoint of MM philosophy. This course is really thorough and I feel it would give me all that.
I am beginning a homeschool preschool journey with my oldest daughter this September and I’m so nervous and unsure of where to begin. This would be an amazing asset to have and I would be incredibly grateful!
I am an early childhood instructor at a zoo, which is a non-traditional learning environment. I would love to learn more about Montessori inspired teaching because I have a passion for helping young children learn about all aspects they will need to succeed later on in life. I, myself, was not a traditional learner and it was the hard work and success of my teachers parents from early childhood through college that helped me be the best that I can be today. This certificate and learning, i think would really help to further my education so that I can be a better teacher and role model to my students. Thanks.
We have been looking into Montessori classes but can not afford them! I have picked up books and we are trying to work toward a more Montessori based teaching style! Would love to win!!
This is a great give away my 4 and 2 year old would love this. I am not very creative so this prize would definitely help me too!
I would love to win this because I am interested in homeschooling this method and I don’t know where to start. My son is Preschool age and this would be perfect to start.
I teach Prek students and I have always been interested in learning more about the Montessori curriculum. What better way to do it than by doing it for free.
I would like to win so that I can use these resources with my son who is going on 4 and my daughter who is 11.
I am planning on homeschooling, and my son is turning 3 this month. I really need help getting started with Preschool activities for him. I have been trying to get myself organized for a while, but I need a jump start.
I have a background in education, was inspired by the British primary no age classrooms. I currently watch two 19 month olds and am trying to use Montessori ideas. Materials and education would help.
For one I have three kids with extremely different needs all under the age of 6. Also, I went to a Montessori pre-k before transitioning to a traditional public school for the rest of my education. I do not have fond memories of school after preschool and often begged to go back to a private school or be homeschooled.
I would love to integrate this into our homeschool.
I am interested in starting to home school in the next couple years and this sounds like a great program. I think I need to start preparing now in order to get myself ready.
It would be great for my kids gr 2 (6yr old) kinder (5 yrs old) 3 yr old and 1 yr old.They would love learn the Montessori method.
I am the grandmother of an 18 month old wonderful little boy. I take care of him 3 to 4 times a week. He just soaks up all the world around him and loves to have someone read to him….sometimes it’s books all day! I would love to have some more structured activities for him and I would love to have access to Montessori materials. This is a great site for me!
My son attended a montessori school this past year and we all absolutely loved it. However, due to a job change, my husband and I decided that I would now stay home with the kids so he won’t be able to go back this next year. Instead, I’ll be homeschooling my son & my 1.5 year old. This course & the albums would be a huge huge help in learning how to properly implement a montessori homeschool.
I have a preK this year and we are homeschooling. I have been in love with Montessori method for a looong time now and getting training on Montessori will benefit my daughter the most!
I’m a working mom who is considering homeschooling my child.
Been looking for a school that use montessori style teaching in our area but have not found one that fits well with my philosophy for teaching children.
So i’m considering homeschooling my child instead.
But before i do so, i would like to prepare myself for doing this.
Have also been researching on the different styles of teaching so that i can use it for children’s ministry in church.
Winning this raffle would really help me get ahead with my plans for homeschooling and hopefully implementing the same style of teaching in our church’s sunday school classes!
I’d like to win for my nephew.
I have a 7 month old and am already starting to look into how to make learning fun and customized just for him. I work full time and my mother keeps him, so I’m hoping to provide learning activities for them throughout the day as well as when he’s with me. I’d love to win this so when we hit 2 years old I am prepared and ready to go.
I am a mom to two boys less than a year apart in age, turning 2&3 this fall. They keep me very busy and are very creative. I chose to homeschool myself in high school and wished I had done it earlier for myself. I would like to be able to do a homeschool curriculum as well as introduce a playschool atmosphere. I want them to see both sides and be able to utilize whichever suits their needs better. I struggled with education until I left the public system. I hope to empower my boys to do what’s right for them.
To say thank you for this giveaway opportunity is not enough. To say that my labelled ‘delayed’ 5 year old NEEDS this type of learning environment is not enough. To say I couldn’t afford this type of homeschooling materials and resources, is not even near enough of the true un affordability of this program is to me. The benefits of this type of learning for HER, and especially for ME TOO, that would be reaped from having this in our lives could never be counted. BUT ESPECIALLY, I have to sincerely thank you, from the heart, for sharing your personal experience/story about how your children came about. Everyday I do my VERY BEST to teach my daughter after school, summer, weekends, as much as I can (with my own personal limitations) to teach her & help her ‘catch up’ to school curriculum standards, and it’s exhausting. It is also doing her own CAPABILITIES a very big disservice as they usually go unnoticed, due toner obvious (to others) ‘delays’. Everyday I feel alone in the struggle to teach her at home outside of school. To teach her that she’s just perfect the way she is, with minimal empathy from outsiders. Gracious thanks for your understanding out forth with this type of situation. You’re a generous spirit to share & giveaway an opportunity (to some of us) of a lifetime!!!! TY! Best of luck to all entries!
I have a 2 year old granddaughter that I will be homeschooling. This is just what I am looking to use.
My youngest kids are 2 and 4, and I think they would really do well with the Montessori curriculum.
I have begun to intergrade the montessori teachings in my preschool classroom, and this benifit my room dearly.
My students like the independce they have learn so far.
I love the Montessori method of following the child and have started using it with my 11 month old. He will eventually be enrolled in a Montessori school.
Hi, thank you very much for the chance 🙂
I’d love this to help my girls. I’m trying so hard to get into homeschooling but struggling
Blessings
I would like to win this course as I plan on homeschooling my kids. I would like to learn ways of looking at education and learning outside of a school room mentality. My kids at this point don’t respond to that environment and yet that is how I keep approaching my attempts to start homeschooling. I’m glad I’m starting when they are 2 and 3, it gives me several years to practice. 🙂
I’d love to learn more about the Montessori method and use the techniques in my homeschool and Co-op!
Thanks very much for sharing your insights, Katie! This course looks wonderful!
I am a home based Early Childcare Educator in New Zealand an I would love to have a greater understanding of Montessori teaching.
I will love to learn the Montessory learning method because I like the way this program respects the children learning process by let them decide the kind of things the want to learn first and I also like that is a very hands on way of learning. Also, I have a prek and a toddler kiddos who are very kinesthetic learners so, they will greatly benefit from it if mama wins course!
I am a new stay at home mother and my baby is about to turn one! We live in Southwestern Oklahoma, and there is not any Montessori schools nearby and I can not afford to move or put him in a school like this, I would love to, I am very interested in Montessori schooling, I want more than anything for my sweet baby boy to thrive and learn and grow to his fullest potential!
I adore the Montessori method of teaching and learning.
I will be homeschooling my daughter. I love the philosophy of Montessori teaching and would love to learn more about it!
My daughter goes to Montessori preschool and has grown so much since she started. She LOVES it, and I’d like to learn more about it in order to incorporate the principles into our daily activities.
I have always been interested in Montessori teaching. I am interested in teaching my younger children with this approach, but have no idea where to start. I have 6 children ages 7mo, 2,5,14,14,19 and would love the help.
There was a time I wanted to become Montesorri certified. Life got busy and it was pushed aside. Now I am embarking on the homeschooling journey, I wish I had that training to help me. Love your post. Thanks!
What an amazing giveaway! I have been eyeing the KHT course for months! We are doing montessori at home and i would love to have the extra training!
Would love to be able to learn more about the Montessori method to use with the children I childmind.
I’m a teacher and mom to a 3 year old “gifted” child who has struggled tremendously in traditional preschool settings. This has left us strongly considering homeschooling him and this kit would be very helpful. Thanks!
I see this course as a way to unlock my children’s potential.A potential that has been hindered by their rocky start in life before their adoption.
This sounds like such a great resource! We are just starting on our homeschool journey so it would be great to start out with this support.
My niece is 4 years old and just barely misses the deadline to start kindergarten this year. This would be perfect for her.
There aren’t any montessori schools in our county, and the state schooling system here is very traditional and rigid, so I’m using montessori methods to teach my own children, who are 3 and 5. My background is in state school teaching, so this is quite a departure for me: a totally new approach- where the child is at the centre, learning at their own pace. I can’t afford to study online, so this course would be a godsend. My children respond so well to this type of learning experience, and I feel that we’ve embarked on a fascinating journey.
I visit your blog. It is really useful and easy to understand. Hope everyone get benefit. Thanks for sharing your Knowledge and experience with us.
Hi
I’m Olivia. I am not a Montessori teacher but I have always a deep interest in Montessori oriented teaching. I vist your blog so often. It provides me a great help in teaching my two kids who are preschoolers. As this pandemic has left us strongly considering homeschooling and I think these resources will be so helpful to parents.
Thanks for embarking a fascinating journey!