My Favorite Montessori Resources

Okay, I've totally gotten away from this blog. But this year I have really gotten into reading several teacher blogs, and I have pondered starting blogging again. I don't know if I will get that going or not, as much as I want to, but maybe. Anyway, to start, I was sharing with a friend about the Montessori method. This is a philosophy that I have become more and more interested in, and I would love to become Montessori certified. She asked me for some of my favorite resources, so I thought this would be a good place to put them. I am by no means an expert, but I am happy to share what I have learned thus far. It is true that Montessori schools and even their materials are quite expensive, but that should not hinder one from using her methods. Maria Montessori compiled her methods from working in the slums of Italy, and what is much more important than specific materials is to follow the child and what he or she is ready for.

Books:

1. How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way - This is one that I personally own, and it is a great overview of the Montessori philosophy. It is a DK book, so there are lots of great pictures!
2. Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home from Birth to Age 3 - This is the other book that I currently own. It is much more in depth about everything, and I think you will find that it throws modern concepts of parenting completely upside down. I plan to follow /almost/ all of these methods when and if I ever get a baby. Montessori clashes a little bit with attachment parenting, which I also like, so there are a few things like a baby sling and swaddling that I intend to do anyway. This book is definitely focused on baby and toddlerhood.
3. Teach Me to Do it Myself: Montessori Activities for You and Your Child - This one is focused on preschoolers. I haven't read it personally, but it does have great reviews.

Blogs: I'm a blogaholic, it's true. :)

1. Montessori for Everyone - Great introduction articles. This lady homeschools her two children exclusively with Montessori methods. She also makes and sells a lot of her own materials.
2. Sew Liberated - My favorite and possibly my initial introduction to Montessori. Yes, she sews and has a pattern making business, but before children she taught at a Montessori mission school in Mexico. Her nursery is the inspiration for how I am doing my nursery. Great stuff!
3. Counting Coconuts - No certifications, just a stay at home mom that has read a lot and is super creative. I love her stuff, especially her sensory bins.

Other Online Resources:

1. Montessori AMI Primary Guide - Examples of lessons and videos.
2. Michael Olaf - Lots of materials for sale, but also has a lot of great info and videos.
3. Margaret Homfray Lectures - A great series of videos from a certification class.
4. Getting Started With Montessori - Great introduction article with lots of links.
5. Godly Play, Creation - Godly Play is a Bible curriculum using Montessori methods. Here is how one mom did the Creation story, she also has several other Bible stories on her website as well as other links.

There is lots more out there, but this is a good start into the world of Montessori.