"Of all things, love is the most potent" - Maria Montessori

When my son was around a year old, I stumbled across this quote and decided to research Montessori education. As an educator, I wanted to give my son opportunities to grow and learn, just as any parent. After doing (a lot) of research, I fell in love with the idea of Montessori education, and we decided to enroll our son in a toddler program at a local Montessori school for the following school year. He started at just 15 months, and it served both as our primary childcare and his education since we were both working full-time. Throughout the school year, he blossomed into a little boy that could do things independently and desiring to complete tasks that I did not even think a toddler could do by themselves! I waffled back and forth about getting my certification in Montessori and teaching at a school, but we decided that I would stay home with our children since I was due with a baby girl in the beginning of September.

This decision led me to research homeschooling, particularly using a Montessori style. We had already implemented some aspects of Montessori into our home life - our son's toys were displayed on open shelving and/or in baskets. I had begun removing toys he did not play with or did not serve any purpose, and eventually replaced most of them with all open-ended toys. When our daughter was born, we set up a small movement area with a thin mattress and a mirror for her which expanded slightly with the use of the IKEA play gym and a sheepskin rug. I carefully selected toys for her and started to change our setup with the addition of specific Montessori materials.

My parenting style is greatly influenced by Montessori education and the desire to raise my children inside that lifestyle. I chose it because it speaks volumes to be as an educator. Follow the child. Freedom within limits. Giving my children the opportunity to discover something for themselves and allowing them the space to explore their interests for as long as possible was important to me.

atThis blog will follow our homeschooling journey, as well as raising a baby from the beginning in a Montessori-inspired way. I hope you will join me on this path as I teach my children and learn along the way as well.