My Story!

This blog was created for Moms looking to get inspired to teach their own children in a Montessori structure. I am a busy mom of 2. I chose to homeschool my children because I couldn't understand the logic in sending them to school 5 days a week for 6 hours a day! I felt that was way too long for any child, let alone a 5 yr old. I feel the school system caters to the parents' work schedule, which is great for working moms, but what about stay at home moms who can spend more time with their children?  I love the idea of group settings and learning discipline. I am not against public school or any school for that matter. I did extensive research in finding a school for my child. The public schools in Arizona are awesome. The charter schools are awesome. I began my search and started to rule out public school because of class size and teaching strategies. I knew the way teachers taught in public school would never work for my determined, strong-willed little guy. I knew he'd be just another number and the light for learning would soon burn out in his eyes. I've watched the way he learns since an infant. He is very hands on. Does not sit for long periods of time. Loves to cause mischief. I knew this would not be tolerated in public school and could only imagine my phone being called everyday by the school. My ego couldn't take it....So I looked into charter schools. I researched many of them. I found a great one that taught in the style of "Love and Logic". I've heard of that approach and admired it. So I tried to enroll him. His name was not drawn in the lotto, so I had to move on to the next. A charter school, right by my house, within walking distance. It scored a 10 out of 10 on greatschools.com. We walked down there on a very hot day to check it out. I met with the founder of the school. He showed me around. I was somewhat listening to him rant about how smart and well behaved the children were. I was really watching the children. It was lunch time/recess. The kids looked unhappy. Military even. Obedient. I looked at the teachers, it was the same. Then came the deal breaker. The CEO/Founder guy said "If any kid gets out of line, we kick him/her out. We can do whatever we want because we are a charter school". That's when I knew this school was not for my little Dax. Even though Academics were off the chart at that school, I loved how small it was, how safe it was, how close it was to my house, but I just knew that this wasn't the school for him. I was sad, but continued my search for a softer approach to learning. Something that would allow him to be him and let him go at his own pace. Some place that would teach love and kindness, manners and obedience in a nurturing, caring environment. Then I found it! That very afternoon. I went home and looked some more. A Montessori school. I was elated when I learned about their approach to teaching. Everything I just described for him and more. It was exactly what I was looking for and a light came on. It felt right. So I called them....now for the sad news....It was no longer a charter school, but a private school. If i couldn't fork out 750 a month for my child to go to school, then he couldn't go. I was bummed for a couple days, but I had already made my mind up that if I didn't put him in a montessori school, then I would homeschool still. I loved homeschooling, but also feel like my Dax is ready for group learning. That will have to wait. I spent the next few days researching Montessori curriculum and teaching methods. I found numerous blogs and websites of moms who already use this approach in their own homes. I was elated. I started putting a binder together for my 1st grader's curriculum. I planned out a Montessori room (to be built in my garage). I researched on Pintrest all the montessori homemade games I could. We've done a few and it's been fun. Both my children love it.  I am excited to homeschool. I can get my children involved in other groups and activities that will give them social outlets. I can be flexible. We can go on vacation when we want. We can wake up and get started when we want. I love that.  My belief is that if circumstances allow, the mother is to be in the home, loving, guiding and teaching her children. This has strengthened my relationship with my children immensely and I wouldn't trade it for the world!