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If you are planning to teach your children at home, and are searching for the best approach to use, the Montessori education method could be the approach that would give you and your children the experience you are looking for.

The primary goal of Montessori education is to foster the child's development toward independent and successful functioning in society.? Montessori emphasizes that children be allowed to learn at their own pace, and it focuses on their needs as individuals. A carefully prepared learning environment that will foster independent learning is key.? Within this environment, the child has the freedom to follow her interests and to learn at her own pace.? ?The focus of control is on the environment, not on the child.? Self-directed “work” time with real-world materials is often emphasized over imaginative and fantasy-based activities, although more imaginative play has been included since Maria Montessori's time. Special self-correcting materials, designed for independent use by the child, are commonly used.

Maria Montessori said about her educational vision:

"My experience was based on the ideas that education should be cooperative instead of competitive; it should feed curiosity and create joy and compassion toward others; intrinsic rewards of mastering subject matter, overcoming obstacles and finding one's own answers to questions should be considered more important than extrinsic rewards such as praise, grades, or threats of failure."

While Montessori techniques can be easily adapted for home use, many parents find it difficult to know where to get started, since they lack specific training in the Montessori methods. In the past few years there has been an increase in the availability of online support groups and educational products that are designed with the Montessori homeschooler in mind. Joining an online support group should be a top priority for untrained Montessori parents.?? This strategy will keep you from having to reinvent the wheel when you are trying to apply Montessori methods in a home environment.? Commercially produced Montessori materials are generally designed for schools and day cares, and are usually extremely expensive. Fortunately, many homeschoolers have developed methods for making the materials themselves, saving significant amounts of money in the process. Look online for support and for information on gathering and making learning materials. LessonPathways.com, a new resource created by homeschoolers, ?offers many Montessori-based activities (as well as many others) - all of which can be found online. ?There is plenty of expertise, information and support out there for any beginning Montessori homeschoolers who want it, so don't hesitate.? With a little guidance and help, your homeschooling experience will be the enriching and rewarding one that you and your children deserve!