Hope everyone had a lovely Mother’s Day yesterday — for those who celebrated it this past weekend anyway. I can’t believe a week had already zoomed by, and it’s time for the second installment in our interview series about Montessori Homeschooling.
Allow me to introduce you to Kristy @loveschoolathome on Instagram. If you do not follow Kristy on Instagram, I encourage you to go click follow right away. She has so many beautiful family photos, helpful ideas and fun projects — especially surrounding nature exploration — I love her so much! She has such an obvious passion for Montessori and helping her children learn to love learning.
Here’s Kristy on her experience with Montessori homeschooling:
Please introduce yourself:
My name is Kristy, from Hong Kong, living in the US now. A bilingual family using Instagram as our visual record, sharing Montessori-inspired homeschooling ideas on the grids. I love DIY, cultures and outdoor time with my children. Focus on Play. Create & Connect. Explore Nature. Give thanks and love of learning.
Why do you choose to homeschool your children?
I believe that the child is the one direct learning. Learning should be customized. And there is a difference between getting a good grade and learning (enjoying) a new subject. The traditional school that I received as a child was grade-oriented, with the focus on product and result. I believe that the process and effort are as important as the result. I started homeschooling when my oldest daughter was 5, and she will be turning 7 this summer. Homeschool gives us the freedom to choose the curriculum, patterns and environment that fit our family background and needs. My children have the freedom of their own time; they learn to actively make decisions and choices from the moments they wake up. They are encouraged to make mistakes, to create and to enjoy learning. They have time to repeat an activity they like with self-control and freedom. And I believe the natural home environment can provide countless opportunities for them, to be prepared for life, especially family life, where our most long lasting happiness is.
Beautifully said! With all of the options, methodologies and curriculums available to homeschoolers today, what drew you to Montessori homeschooling specifically?
The Montessori school of spirit just fits our needs and it brings joy to our learning journey. I notice my children became masters of their hands around the age of 3 and the burst of independence appeared. They started to understand their abilities and to concentrate more on one task. They find satisfaction from self care to regulating their emotions, working with their hands, helping in the kitchen, grocery shopping, meal planning, weekly family meeting etc.
Being a homeschool mother, I learned to organize, slow down, not interrupt, observe and step back while they work. I need to have the faith that my children will reveal their needs to me through what they do. These manifestations of behaviors show the need of the child. When I adjust the environment and parenting style to satisfy the growing need of their independence, I feel connected to the children, instead of controlling. These connections bring peace and joy in parenting and learning.
There are difficulties, but the journey is worth it. There is mess, but the joy of Montessori parenting is more. And there are promises in the Montessori education: a joyful, independent, respectful, peaceful child. Montessori homeschooling is beneficial to both parents and the children.
Do you have a dedicated homeschooling space? Why or why not?
Yes, our whole house. We have a small town house. The living room is our children’s learning space with shelves filled with personalized learning materials. Meanwhile, the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen even outdoor places are all their learning space. From self care to the care of the environment around them.
If you had the chance to tell yourself one thing at the beginning of your homeschool journey, what would it be?
I would give myself three tips. Less is more. It is never a race. Follow the child and spend time with them.
Thank you so much Kristy — I appreciate this glimpse into your homeschooling journey.
