Review - Magellan Montessori's Homeschooling Early Elementary (ages 6-9 years) by Miriam Coates, M. Ed.

 

You are probably aware of my interest in Montessori Theory and using it in my Homeschooling.  I have a M.A. in Early Childhood Education, but that only takes me through 3rd grade, and most of the Montessori studying I have done is for the Early Years (5 and under).  I have been looking for more guidance in the later years in regards to Montessori, but most of what I have found is geared towards those early years.  I have enrolled in courses, and try to model the Montessori method, as best as I can at home, for my younger children.  I have been at a loss for how to transition my now 6 year old.  I was really excited to receive information about this book in my email.  I contacted the author immediately and and am even more pleased that she allowed me to review it!

What is Montessori??  Montessori is a theory in regards to how children learn created by Maria Montessori.  What's so great about it??  Montessori is HANDS ON LEARNING, which is how children learn best (this fact is a BIG reason why I homeschool).  Montessori also teaches basic life skills, and allows children to have more control in their own education, they can go at their own pace, choose topics that interest them, etc..

Here is a great video that talk about Montessori

Magellan Montessori's Homeschooling Early Education, Coates gives a great overview of Montessori Theory, followed by a complete lesson by lesson break down by subject on presentations of Montessori Lessons.  A variety of links are given for suggestions of materials (some free, some at a cost, some downloadable, some tangible).  Authentic/traditional Montessori materials are suggested, as well as alternative materials (which is really nice b/c some Montessori materials can be pricey).

I wish the book had pictures of the tasks in action, but otherwise it's a total play by play for all you need to have an authentic Montessori experience in your homeschool.  I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in continuing with Montessori through Early Elementary school, but because the cost is quite the investment, you really need to be sure that Montessori is the route you want to take, and have a familiarity of Montessori, so you know what your getting into (not meant in a bad way).  Also keep in mind that additional materials will be needed (costs vary) to implement most of these tasks.

We are having good luck with our current program, so I won't be transitioning 100% to Montessori, but I do want to put into play several of the outlined tasks.

You can find the book on Amazon, but clicking on the picture at the top of this post.  It is an ebook, so you need either a Kindle device or you can download the Kindle app for free!!