Ideas and Basic Montessori

What do you really want your child to learn? What can they BUILD on ? What do thay want to do???and what can we help them do right now that they can USE? I think this is the basis of Montessori ideals. And also, let us follow their interests.

3 basic "rules " we have sort of established in the sense of it:
Respect other's work
talk softly
Clean up and put away your own work
Walk gracefully was also a known montessori "rule" but not really applicable to the bongo playing , jumping, expressive ones, so...that one is a no go for us right now!

As my own montessori raised theory goes....along with some unschooling and homeshooling research...the "important" things in school theory....like times tables, state capitals, etc, are of no real use for our children. I have realized they are of no use to me unless I will be on jeopardy. I have started an edible plants and poisonous plants journal for my daughter which I think will be of a much greater value in the future. We will be focusing on that come spring.

I think the main theory is child led learning with gentle guidance and direction. Projects should be introduced one at a time when the student is ready. Shown once how to do the project correctly. Then, the student works to complete the work correctly...i.e...The "tower" should have the largest square at the bottom, smallest at the top, then the aspects of gravity, wieght/size ratio, 4 to 1 ratios, etc..can be added later. ...The teapot pouring activity can evolve into measuring..etc...but basics, first! Of course, the child can use the materials however they please!!! If they want the tower to be a staircase for dolls, so it is. If they want the teapot to water the flowers, it will work.

The basic setup is to have a few activities out and available, this goes for infant as well, and to rotate them. All materials should be beautiful and the child should take care of them, china, glass and other breakables SHOULD be used so that they can learn the value of things..not just plastic items they can throw around. Older children, 2+ should learn to take the activity from the shelf to their mat or table.