Nobel Prize nominee Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, conceived of her exceedingly popular method of educating children and young adults in the early part of the 20th Century. Drawing from her experiences as a doctor, she outlined her philosophies of working with a kid’s natural curiosity and development rather than forcing him or her into one specific niche. Suffice to say, it caught on. Schools and homeschooling parents (as well as those hoping to supplement their children’s education) have embraced its potential to raise intelligent, well-adjusted, and competent members of society ready for a successful, productive future. A traditional education works for millions of other students, of course, but others may respond better to the Montessori Method. Whether homeschooling or opting for a brick-and-mortar campus, numerous online resources abound for parents to seek out information on what they believe would work best for their children’s needs.
The following blogs – some by teachers, others by fellow moms and dads - do an excellent job providing information on what they can expect from exposing their kids to Montessori’s philosophies. There are, of course, many other relevant blogs on the topic who bring something to the table beyond the ones listed here. Be sure to seek out their counsel for a thorough glimpse into how this educational technique works (and could work) as well!
1. My Montessori Journey : This intelligent, informative general Montessori blog posts up some great photos and discussions on different projects that cover a broad spectrum of subjects.
2. Montessori for Everyone : Lori Bourne blogs about her experiences teaching at a Montessori school, broaching topics as diverse as education and child development issues and projects and materials.
3. My Montessori House : Both Montessori and homeschooling get covered on this thoroughly detailed resource, which offers readers a very clear picture of what both education methods are all about.
4. Montessori Mom : Montessori teachers, homeschooling parents, or anyone else hoping to teach kids some engaging lessons in a number of subjects would do well to read over this extensive collection of suggestions and activities.
5. Montessori Teacher Training : Anyone curious about working in a Montessori setting – or even new teachers looking for a little boost – will appreciate the excellent posts and archives offered here.
6. Montessori Spanish : The Dallas-based Gigi discusses her children’s Montessori education, her methods for teaching them Spanish at home, and her efforts towards obtaining teaching certification. As she hopes to teach Montessori school, those curious about what the training entails may find this blog particularly useful.
7. Montessori Mama : Beyond blogging about this particular education strategy, the Montessori Mama also shares some of her art projects and glimpses into her life.
8. Montessori Beginnings : Montessori teachers or homeschooling parents hoping for inspiration when it comes to lessons may find some great projects and activities here.
9. P.S. Montessori : One Montessori school teacher in the D.C. area openly discusses her experiences working with the public school system and provides suggestions for different visual and hands-on lessons.
10. Montessori Candy : Montessori Candy hopes to serve as both a resource as well as a community for like-minded parents and educators alike to exchange ideas and suggestions regarding the method.
11. The Moveable Alphabet : Susan Y. Dyer directs and teaches at a school in New York, and her online presence looks into the theories and practices outlined by Maria Montessori.
12. good tree montessori homeschool : Parents interested in homeschooling their children using the Montessori Method will likely appreciate the tips, book reviews, and activities offered through this blog.
13. Montessori Free Fall : One mother documents the ups and downs of homeschooling her toddler daughter, making Montessori Free Fall a good read for parents curious about doing the same.
14. A Bit Of This and A Bit Of That : Read all about crafts and life at a Montessori school located in Saitama-Ken, Japan – and be sure to check out the rest of the site beyond the blog as well!
15. Sew Liberated : Though a general lifestyle and parenting blog, Sew Liberated provides readers with some excellent craft projects suitable for a Montessori education as well as ideas and discussions of the strategy.
16. LaPaz Home Learning : The incredibly informative LaPaz Home Learning documents one family’s experience applying the Montessori Method to homeschooling, helping those interested in doing the same with their children understand what to expect and what goals to set.
17. Making of a Montessori Mum : In spite of currently being on sabbatical, the archives at Making of a Montessori Mum remain a useful resource for parents considering applying the technique to their children’s education.
18. Beautiful Sun Montessori : Follow the adventures of one Montessori school in Aruba, which offers up an excellent, intimate peek into how the Method works and stimulates its adherents.
19. Little Hands, Big Work : As the blog’s subtitle points out, playing and hands-on activities can create some amazing learning experiences for children of all ages.
20. On the Shelf: A Picture Diary of Montessori Work in Our Classroom : In spite of the fact that it does not update very often, On the Shelf serves as an excellent visual aid when it comes to different projects to use in a Montessori and/or homeschool education.
21. The Wonder Years : Mom and blogger Amy is not a strict adherent to the Montessori Method, preferring to study and blend different perspectives together, but its tenets are certainly apparent in her educational interactions with her children.
22. Adventures in Montessori : Sustainable living and Montessori philosophies converge on this blog, which may not update frequently but still has plenty to offer.
23. Confessions of a Montessori Mom : In addition to some great posts on the topic of a Montessori education in the home and in the classroom alike, Lisa Nolan’s listings of links and resources are of considerable value to parents and teachers.
24. Chasing Cheerios : Melissa, a stay-at-home mom and part-time school psychologist, has plenty of interesting and informative opinions and findings regarding applying Montessori ideology to a homeschool setting.
25. Adventures of a Rainbow Mama : Philosophical, fun, and always valuable, Amber at Adventures of a Rainbow Mama has plenty of great things to say about embracing the Montessori Method.
26. Three Plus Two: Montessori Method : One homeschooling mother shares her experiences with Maria Montessori’s philosophies, providing some great insight into the day-by-day activities, readings, triumphs, and failures that come with it.
27. Shannon’s Sharings : Mother and teacher Shannon does blog about her day-to-day life, but interspersed throughout are some revealing glimpses into her experiences with Montessori school and how well it stimulates and educates her son.
28. What DID we do all day? : Educators and homeschooling parents alike desiring inspiration for great activities, projects, and lessons can easily get some ideas from this enjoyable blog. The blog’s writer also hopes to dismiss many of the misconceptions about both homeschooling and the Montessori Method.
29. The Learning Ark : Art and education collide in this handy crafting and education blog, which provides instructions on creating some excellent and effective visuals for Montessori teachers and homeschooling parents.
30. Education by Design : John Long with the Post Oak Montessori School shares not only his experiences with that style of education, but some valuable discussions regarding child development and psychology as well.
31. Mommy Life : Barbara Curtis is a passionate advocate for the Montessori Method of educating children - and while her blog does not focus solely on the subject, she nevertheless has some interesting things to say about it.
32. Montessori World : Rani at Montessori World offers up an excellent, thorough resource on everything from projects to becoming a teacher – enough to earn her a nomination for the Blogger’s Choice Awards for “Best Educational Blog.”
33. Montessori21stCentury’s Weblog : With archives dating all the way back to November 2007, anyone seeking information on the Montessori Method and its applications is likely to find something valuable here.
34. Ms. Tracy : Anyone and everyone involved or curious about becoming involved with Montessori schooling or homeschooling must absolutely stop by this fantastic resource covering multiple facets of the subject.
35. Taye’s Montessori In Motion Blog : Taye B. Corby shares with readers the ways in which her Montessori school educates their students, with attention paid to theory as well as activity.
36. Counting Coconuts : A mother writes about the activities and experiences she encounters while studying to become a Montessori teacher, with life lessons included along the way.
37. Momtessori : Whether homeschooling, seeking to supplement a child’s education, or a teacher in need of inspiration, Momtessori has some great suggestions for effective activities embracing a few different topics.
38. Work and Play, Day By Day : Read all about the everyday life of a homeschooling mother hoping to educate her children using the Montessori Method.
39. Parallel Lives : Winner of the One Lovely Blog Award, Parallel Lives suggests some great activities and projects to help stimulate a child’s education at home or in the classroom.
40. Havin’ Fun Yet? : Citing Maria Montessori as an influence, blogger Julie opens up about how the method helps her relate better to her son as well as some of the lessons he finds most helpful.
41. Simply Montessori : In spite of the sporadic updates, Simply Montessori still stands as a valuable enough resource regarding crafts, education, and keeping things as stress-free as possible.
42. Gray Family Circus : It is entirely possible to infuse religious discourse and lessons into a Montessori and homeschool education, as the very comprehensive blog by Andrea Gray points out.
43. One Hook Wonder : A mother of 4 keeps a record of her craft projects as well as the various Montessori projects she conducts with her children.
44. Sunrise Learning Lab : Teachers or homeschooling parents with an affinity for the Montessori Method can very easily find inspiration and information on both the theory and the practice with this comprehensive resource.
45. A Montessori Journey : Follow the ups, downs, triumphs, and tribulations of one very harried homeschooling mother who has also taken on other people’s children under her Montessori-inspired wing.
46. Super Fun Mama : The “Super Fun Mama” enjoys infusing Montessori sensibilities into her parenting and schooling actions whenever possible, and her experiences may serve to influence, inspire, or assist others with similar goals.
47. Walk Beside Me : Another homeschooling mother very helpfully shares what works and what does not as she applies the Montessori Method to her children’s education.
48. Wildflowers and Marbles : Wildflowers and Marbles may cover a broad spectrum of topics, but its section on Montessori education remains incredibly valuable for anyone in need of pointers. One of the main themes of the blog involves finding beauty in simplicity, so expect to see that mindset incorporated into it instruction.
49. montessori and t : Enjoy the videos, photos, suggestions, and first-hand accounts of a Montessori education through the eyes of a woman who has been teaching with the technique for 9 years.
50. Montessori in Mars : Mars, a Montessori teacher responsible for educating children ages 2 ½ to 6, blogs about the experiences good and bad that come from her chosen career as well as some interesting insights regarding the theories and applications behind the method.
Many parents find the Italian physician’s philosophies in line with their own, and find them attractive for their attention to the nuances and complexities of child development and psychology. Regardless of whether or not they hope to educate their children in a home or in a school that applies the Montessori Method, these blogs provide them with some excellent information and alternating perspectives on what they can likely expect from using it.