Hi, my name is Ashley, and I’m a mom of two little girls, Kylie, who is three and a half, and Mia, who is 20 months old. Today’s video is all about my homeschool preparation process as a first-time Montessori homeschooling parent. I’ll be sharing how I’ve transitioned from using a physical paper planner to a more digital format, along with the changes I’ve made in our routine to create a more organic learning experience for my daughters.
Initially, I started with regimented unit studies but found them to be time-consuming and not as beneficial for my daughter. So, I’ve shifted towards a more natural approach by incorporating standard Montessori learning materials alongside a few themed activities. This change has led to a less stressful planning process and a more enjoyable homeschooling experience for both my girls and me.
Overview of Montessori at Home
Montessori at Home is a beautiful approach to homeschooling that follows the principles set forth by Maria Montessori. These principles emphasize hands-on, child-led learning, respect for the child’s individuality, and fostering independence and self-discipline. By creating a prepared environment that promotes exploration and discovery, Montessori homeschooling allows children to naturally develop a love for learning and a sense of responsibility for their education.
Explanation of Montessori principles
The Montessori method is based on the idea that children have an innate drive to learn and explore their surroundings. By providing a carefully curated environment with age-appropriate materials, children are encouraged to follow their interests, make choices, and engage in self-directed activities. This approach promotes independence, concentration, and a deep sense of responsibility for their learning journey. The Montessori principles also emphasize respect for the child, fostering a sense of confidence and autonomy in decision-making.
Benefits of Montessori homeschooling
Montessori homeschooling offers a unique and holistic approach to education that focuses on the overall development of the child – academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. By allowing children to learn at their own pace and explore topics that interest them, Montessori homeschooling helps foster a love for learning that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting. Additionally, this method encourages critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a sense of community, as children learn to work collaboratively and respect one another’s contributions.
Introduction to Hapa Family’s experience
Ashley, a parent to two young girls, ages three and a half and 20 months, shares her Montessori homeschooling journey through the Hapa Family vlog. As a first-time Montessori homeschooling parent, Ashley started with a physical homeschool planner but later transitioned to a digital format for ease and efficiency. Initially focused on regimented unit studies, Ashley found a more organic approach to be more beneficial for her daughter’s learning experience. Through her videos, Ashley provides valuable insights into her homeschool preparation process, daily routine, challenges faced during the pandemic, and tips for promoting Montessori education at home.
Preparation Process
Initial physical homeschool planner
At the start of her homeschooling journey, Ashley used a physical paper and pencil homeschool planner that she created herself. This planner served as a guide for organizing materials and activities for her daughter’s learning. With sections for weekly plans, monthly units, and educational resources, the physical planner allowed Ashley to structure her homeschooling curriculum in a tangible and visual way.
Transition to digital format
As a tech-savvy individual, Ashley found it more convenient to switch to a digital format for her homeschool planning. By creating a calendar in Google Docs and linking activities to printables, Ashley was able to streamline her planning process and access resources easily. The digital format offered more flexibility, allowing her to adjust activities on the go and reduce the need for excessive printing and preparation time.
Tools used for homeschool materials preparation
To enhance her daughter’s learning experience, Ashley utilized various tools for preparing homeschool materials. She made use of a Brother color laser printer for printing educational resources, a laminator for preserving materials, and a corner puncher for creating rounded edges on cards and activities. These tools helped Ashley create engaging and durable materials that supported her daughter’s exploration and learning.
Shift in Planning Approach
From regimented unit studies to organic approach
Initially, Ashley structured her homeschooling curriculum around regimented unit studies, focusing on specific themes and topics each week. However, she found this approach to be time-consuming and overwhelming, both for herself and her daughter. Over time, Ashley shifted to a more organic approach, incorporating a mix of standard Montessori activities and unit study materials based on her daughter’s interests and daily observations.
Reasons for the shift
The shift in Ashley’s planning approach was motivated by a desire to align her homeschooling curriculum with her daughter’s natural learning style and interests. By moving away from rigid unit studies and embracing a flexible, child-led approach, Ashley created a more responsive and engaging learning environment for her daughter. This shift allowed for a more authentic and personalized homeschooling experience, tailored to meet her daughter’s needs and preferences.
Focus on slow, authentic homeschooling experience
Through the shift in planning approach, Ashley discovered the value of slow, authentic homeschooling. By focusing on a fewer number of activities and incorporating them seamlessly into her daughter’s daily routine, Ashley created a more natural and holistic learning experience. This approach emphasized the importance of observing and responding to her daughter’s interests, allowing for meaningful and purposeful learning opportunities that fostered curiosity and exploration.
Daily Routine
Activities included in the routine
Ashley’s daily routine for homeschooling includes a combination of structured activities and free play, designed to provide a balance of learning and leisure. Typical activities in her routine include circle time for group engagement, a short work cycle for focused learning, independent play for creativity and exploration, outdoor activities for physical development, and lunchtime for nourishment and social interaction. This diverse range of activities ensures that her daughter engages in a variety of experiences throughout the day.
Importance of structured routine in homeschooling
Having a structured routine is essential for creating a sense of stability and predictability in a homeschooling environment. A well-planned daily schedule helps children understand expectations, transitions between activities smoothly, and feel secure in their learning environment. By incorporating key elements such as circle time, work cycles, and free play, Ashley’s routine provides a framework for her daughter’s daily activities while allowing for flexibility and spontaneity.
Adaptation of routine for Montessori principles
Ashley’s daily routine for homeschooling aligns with Montessori principles by promoting independence, choice, and freedom within limits. By providing a prepared environment with age-appropriate materials and activities, Ashley encourages her daughter to explore and engage in self-directed learning. The routine also emphasizes respect for the child’s autonomy, allowing her to make choices and pursue interests at her own pace. This Montessori-inspired approach fosters a love for learning, builds confidence and self-esteem, and nurtures a sense of responsibility for one’s education.
Challenges and Solutions
Challenges faced during homeschooling
Like any educational journey, homeschooling comes with its own set of challenges. Ashley has encountered difficulties in balancing her responsibilities as a parent and educator, managing her daughter’s varying interests and energy levels, and adapting to the changing dynamics of remote learning. Additionally, the constraints of the pandemic have presented unique challenges in providing a consistent and engaging learning experience for her daughter while maintaining a sense of normalcy and stability at home.
Tips for overcoming challenges
To navigate the challenges of homeschooling, Ashley emphasizes the importance of patience, flexibility, and open communication with her daughter. By observing her daughter’s cues, adjusting the daily routine as needed, and seeking support from her community, Ashley finds ways to address challenges proactively and effectively. Additionally, staying connected with other homeschooling families, sharing experiences, and seeking advice from educators and experts in the field can provide valuable insights and resources for overcoming obstacles and enhancing the homeschooling experience.
Importance of parental effort and support
As a parent and homeschooling educator, Ashley recognizes the vital role that parental effort and support play in creating a successful learning environment for her daughter. By investing time, energy, and dedication into her daughter’s education, Ashley demonstrates a commitment to nurturing her daughter’s growth and development. Providing encouragement, guidance, and emotional support, Ashley creates a supportive and loving environment that fosters her daughter’s curiosity, confidence, and love for learning.
Homeschooling During the Pandemic
Unique challenges of homeschooling during the pandemic
Homeschooling during the pandemic presents a set of unique challenges for families, including adapting to remote learning, managing increased screen time, and maintaining a healthy balance between work, school, and family life. The uncertainty and disruption caused by the pandemic can create stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation for both parents and children, impacting their overall well-being and mental health. Finding ways to adapt to the new normal, create structure and routines, and prioritize self-care becomes essential for navigating the challenges of homeschooling during these challenging times.
Adapting to remote learning
In response to the pandemic, many families have had to transition to remote learning, relying on digital platforms, online resources, and virtual communication to facilitate education at home. While remote learning offers flexibility and accessibility, it also presents technical challenges, distractions, and limitations in hands-on learning experiences. Adapting to this new mode of education requires patience, adaptability, and creativity in finding ways to engage children, maintain motivation, and foster meaningful learning experiences within the confines of a virtual environment.
Maintaining balance and mental health
The demands of homeschooling during the pandemic can take a toll on parents’ mental health and well-being. Finding ways to balance work, homeschooling, household responsibilities, and personal self-care becomes essential for maintaining overall health and happiness. Prioritizing time for relaxation, exercise, and social connection, setting boundaries, and seeking support from friends, family, and mental health professionals can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelm. By prioritizing self-care and nurturing one’s mental health, parents can create a positive and nurturing environment for themselves and their children, promoting resilience, well-being, and emotional growth.
Promoting Montessori Education
E-course offerings on Montessori at home
As a passionate advocate for Montessori education, Ashley offers e-course offerings on Montessori at home to support parents in creating a nurturing and enriching learning environment for their children. These courses provide valuable insights, practical tips, and resources for implementing Montessori principles, setting up a prepared environment, and fostering independence and creativity in children’s learning. By sharing her knowledge and experiences, Ashley empowers parents to embrace Montessori education at home and guide their children’s educational journey with confidence and success.
Encouragement for viewers to subscribe for more tips
Through her Hapa Family vlog and social media channels, Ashley encourages viewers to subscribe for more tips, insights, and updates on Montessori homeschooling. By sharing her experiences, challenges, and successes, Ashley creates a supportive community of like-minded parents who are passionate about providing quality education for their children. Subscribing to Ashley’s channel offers access to valuable resources, inspiration, and guidance for implementing Montessori principles, promoting a love for learning, and fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment at home.
Utilizing affiliate links as a resource
To support her vlog and educational offerings, Ashley may include affiliate links in her videos and descriptions. These links provide viewers with access to recommended products, resources, and services that align with her Montessori homeschooling philosophy. By utilizing affiliate links, Ashley can share valuable resources, generate income to support her channel, and offer viewers convenient access to tools and materials that enhance their homeschooling experience. Through these affiliate partnerships, Ashley can continue to provide high-quality content, inspiration, and guidance to her dedicated community of Montessori homeschooling families.
Hapa Family Contact Information
Email for inquiries: hapafamilyvlog@gmail.com
For inquiries, collaboration opportunities, or questions regarding Montessori homeschooling, viewers can reach out to Ashley and the Hapa Family team via email at hapafamilyvlog@gmail.com. By contacting Ashley directly, viewers can access personalized assistance, advice, and support for their homeschooling journey, including resources, recommendations, and insights on Montessori education at home.
Instagram handle: @hapafamilyvlog
To stay connected with the Hapa Family community, viewers can follow Ashley on Instagram at @hapafamilyvlog. By following her Instagram account, viewers can access updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily inspiration on Montessori homeschooling, parenting, and family life. Through Instagram, Ashley shares highlights, tips, and resources for creating a nurturing, engaging, and supportive learning environment at home, fostering a sense of community, connection, and empowerment among like-minded parents.
Connecting with Ashley, a parent sharing her homeschool journey
Ashley, a dedicated parent and educator, shares her homeschooling journey, challenges, and successes with viewers through the Hapa Family vlog. By connecting with Ashley through her videos, social media channels, and email, viewers can access valuable insights, practical tips, and resources for implementing Montessori principles, fostering independence and creativity in children’s learning, and creating a positive and enriching educational environment at home. Through her transparency, authenticity, and passion for Montessori education, Ashley inspires and empowers parents to embrace the homeschooling process with confidence and dedication.
Conclusion and Final Remarks
In conclusion, Montessori at Home offers a unique and enriching approach to homeschooling that prioritizes child-led learning, independence, and respect for the individuality of each child. Through her experiences, challenges, and successes, Ashley from Hapa Family exemplifies the dedication, creativity, and resilience required to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment for her children. By embracing Montessori principles, promoting a love for learning, and fostering a collaborative and supportive community, Ashley inspires and empowers parents to embark on their homeschooling journey with confidence, passion, and purpose. As parents, educators, and advocates for quality education, it is essential to acknowledge the effort, dedication, and love that goes into providing children with a holistic, meaningful, and empowering educational experience. By adopting a mindful, intentional, and child-centric approach to homeschooling, parents can create a nurturing, supportive, and enriching environment that promotes curiosity, growth, and lifelong learning. Thank you for joining us on this journey of Montessori at Home, and may you find joy, inspiration, and fulfillment in your homeschooling adventure.