My daughter is homeschooled. She’s 6 and in 1st grade, and our homeschool time (M-F) only takes 1-2 hrs a day. The rest of the day is play inside and out. It amazes me (a K-12 public schooler) that she’s able to learn and thrive with such a short school day. I’m so happy I’m able to be home and be able to be a homeschool mom.
Thank you for this video. I had so much mommy guilt seeing all these perfect mommies online doing all those activities for their kids and then watching their kids working happily (at least that is what it looks like on those vlogs). They made me feel there is something wrong with the way I am doing this. It is such a relief to know that other mommies have similar struggles and that is OK to do things differently. For instance my daughter refuses to sit down and work on activities no matter what they are. I call it shelf repulsion. It gave so much stress I would get mad or cry. I took a step back and now all I do is play in a more natural way. At first this felt like she was not getting the most lt of homescholling I even questionned my decision tu pull her out of school. I am still working on making peace with my situation. I appreciate your honesty enormously. Please do not feel that all we want to watch are smooth perfect routines. Withouth exposing your kids in a negative way, talking about the difficulties you face in this journey is very enriching for other moms like me.
This is so raw and transparent! I love how you took a step to back re-assess her enjoyment! Simplifying and keeping love of learning as a goal is so inspiring! This video was JUST what I needed to see. Thank you for sharing. This is absolutely phenomenal content! We have definitely had these same kind of moments, days, weeks. You are incredible parents doing your best!
This has lifted such a burden from my shoulders. I wanted something like this but wherever i saw i found the themed activities. I have literally wasted so many months in search of materials and little activities and things to make a big bundle to go through the week or the time for the unit study that i didn't do at all. I avoided even thinking about it and hence gave a lot of screentime to my sons so that i can brain storm or collect all the data. And i am so glad i would see this in your vlogs too now. Thankyou for updating us. I look upto you a lot like a sister who is wiser and more put together. You could just not do it and nobody would k ow IF you did all this to just gain followers. But you guys are so genuine. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart it means a lot sis.
Loved this update! I totally agree that unit studies sometimes feels like it is more for us (the adults) than the child. And also the work cycle - 25 mins is great for a 3 year old IMO. Free play totally counts too. Lots of love to all of you :) take it easy, Kylie seems like a kindergartener already with how much she knows 🤪
Thank you for being so honest about the challenges you are facing with homeschooling! It’s a breath of fresh air and I love that you share your updates and homeschooling unfolds. I think listening to your child and making sure learning is a positive activity is so important.
I never comment, but I have to say this has to be one of my FAVORITE video of yours. I love your transparency and encouragement as well. Everything you talked about is exactly how it’s been going for my family and I. When we need to reset, we do and we’re completely ok with that. Thanks again for this!!
I have started homeschooling since my daughter was born :p started 3 min at 3 months , now at 2 years she loves learning new things everyday for 10min max morning then evening again 10min I try to make it fun and something she choose
Your youngest is around the same age as my little one. Your channel has been a major help as a mom and I am planning on homeschooling her as long as I possibly can. I really hope the homeschooling thing is something you will be doing for a while too because every stage of my little’s development has been so well timed with your youngest. Anyway this works and is very valuable
*corner cutter..... game changer! Thank you Ashley!!!! I so admire your openness and humility with your approach to homeschooling. By responding organically to Kylie's needs and interests it seems you have found a better balance and flow. You show us that it's ok to take a step back and rethink things. Thanks Mama x
My child is the same age as your oldest. We've been out of school since the end of February, and I've been struggling with how to fill the day in a meaningful way since we're now missing the social and learning aspects of being physically in school. Your videos have been immensely helpful. Thank you!
Genuine, real, and authentic mothering is the brand of your channel! This is what attracted me and others as well to your content. Please don’t shy away from sharing your style.. no mama wants to watch a perfect routine because none of us is perfect. I was actually eager to learn how you juggle your day which looks so much alike what you have just described in this video! You are greatly appreciated😊
I so appreciate you keeping us updated along the way as you figure out what works and what doesn't! I also LOVE the corner cutter recommendation! Thank you!!
You have no idea how helpful this video was! I'm a mom of 2, homeschooling my 3 year old daughter while looking after my newborn. I'm not a teacher but I'm also trying to follow the Montessori approach, it's good to hear what your homeschooling experience with your daughter is like!
Thank you very much for giving us an insight into your homeschooling routine. Thank you for saying the things that I kept wondering and questioning myself. I’m a stay at home mom and now I’m homeschooling my 3 and 4 yr olds. Thank you for saying out loud that it’s ok to try your best and some days are better than others. I am also living in a place where I don’t have any close family or anyone that I could have my girls socialize with other kids their age. The schools in our county are still not open and still doing remote learning. I’m so happy to be able to relate to someone. Love your channel!
My daughter was in a montessori from June-December but we are moving overseas and so we took her out. She is 2 1/2 and loved it! I am hoping we can find some fun ways to create our own montessori home preschool in Brazil. As a safety note - her school was in CA (Orange County) and for 6 months with kids from 18 months thru kindergarten, there was not one Covid issue or positive diagnosis amongst the kids, staff or parents 🙏🏼 I totally understand that everyone has different comfort levels. Just sharing for some encouragement
Good for you for going with the flow and following your child and yourself! 💕 It’s hard when we want to do our best for them and feel it’s not enough, but, as you said, it is enough! They don’t need us to be perfect, just present. And from one Montessori homeschooling mama to another- the work cycle does get better! Even in a school setting children new to the classroom can take a few weeks or months to get into the groove and you really start to see deep concentration. Just trust your child and they will get there and it feels amazing to watch ❤️
Thanks for being honest in your homeschooling changes !! I thought i was the only one that was stressed doing the unit preparations.. and as you say, combined with the other things to do at house , i was so stressed! I kind of started doing as you say, combining what she felt like doing at the moment and transforming it into something educational ( never thought I was so creative hahaha) soooo thanks for your advices n this topic ❤️🙏🏻 kisses to the girls from Quito Ecuador 🇪🇨
I have just recently found your videos and thoroughly enjoy watching them! I've been homeschooling for over 30 years but I didn't know about the Montessori method until my oldest daughter trained to become a Montessori instructress. I've been hooked ever since and even attending some training with her. I'm a grandmother now (although my last son is a high school senior this year) and have 2 grandchildren that live on our land and another grandson that lives about 35 minutes away. The youngest two are almost a year old and the older one is almost three so your information has been spot on! I have converted one of the rooms in our old farmhouse into a Montessori room and have really enjoyed setting it up. I look forward to watching your videos and getting great ideas. Also, homeschooling is so in tuned with the Montessori method!
Your videos have been massively helpful to our family. My two boys are the same age and I am also a former teacher trying to figure this all out. Thank you for being so open about the messy parts of the homeschooling process. It is very refreshing and affirming!
I really admire how much grace you give yourself and how much wisdom you possess. I'm always learning from your videos and always feel encouraged and empowered. ❤️
So good to hear that you've reassessed. I think when in doubt just turn around and read your poster on the wall. Play is the work of the child but even more importantly it is education!!
Bravo Ms. Ashley!!! I felt like I was not doing enough for my child ( he turned 4 this year but hasn’t been to pre-school yet due to the same reason). I had bought workbooks and all sorts of resources to begin his homeschooling but after a few weeks of it, I felt he was dreading the sessions. So I let go and decided to go with the flow and follow his lead. It definitely has been less stressful than what it was a few months ago! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
I soooo appreciate you talking about your routine and what homeschooling looks like for you right now. I have been STRUGGLING with planning and following through with "lessons" for my preschooler (I'm also a former teacher) and feeling like a failure for not being a "perfect teacher". I needed to hear this message today, thank you! Due to my husband's unpredictable work schedule, we are constantly thrown off any hour-by-hour plan I try to carry out and I've just given up lol. Now that I let the kids take the lead in what they want to do, we have much more peace and way less stress in our home.
Ashley!! This video-yaaasss! I’ve been feeling off the past few days and just really dragged down with trying to find activities and then being frustrated when my son isn’t interested. I feel so refreshed after watching your video! Thank you for the vote of confidence 🤗❤️
I needed to hear this. I started super excited with all the unit studies too, then it got overwhelming planning for it only to realize that it’s just a one time use. So I ended up doing it on a fly then not doing it at all. I’m also a college student (and currently remote learning) so life got super busy that I put homeschooling on the back corner which I feel so guilty about. I haven’t been able to sit down and focus on planning. Thank you for the reminder that I’m not alone in this.
You practically saw the pros and cons of remote montessori preschool and took a decision. Unit studies were great but time consuming for parents and a bit overwhelming for kids who were already busy with their curriculum. My toddler was a lot into books, than toys. So I bought new books. Now running around the house, pulling things off the kitchen has become new favorites. Still I keep rotating the books on shelves and made peace with it. Thanks for educating us about it. No parks, no zoos, no long drives, no shopping,.... we felt Kids are getting wild at home! I m staying with my parents for safety in this situation. I didn't take my kid beyond our yard, which we share it with my cousins. Both the children(my cousins preschooler n my toddler) meet and spend sometime with each other before lunch, as I know about them. I feel you'll find a similar family for play dates soon! All the best
This is so helpful! Thank you for sharing and being honest about your experience. It's our first year on home-ed (we are based in the UK) and it's taking time for me to find my feet. I've found your content so helpful and inspiring!
Thanks for your video! Will you be doing an updated video for 18mo+ activities with Mia soon? We have been loving following them as my LO is a couple months younger than her. :)
How do you keep Mia engaged or away when you and Kylie are working on an activity? I have a 4 year old daughter and a 1 year old son and I can never manage to get time away from the toddler to work with the preschooler except when he's sleeping !
Thank you for sharing! I love that you reassessed and improved the situation for Kylie! I'm glad my son is only 7mo, so he doesn't need to socialise with other kids yet. We're still thinking whether he should start school at 3yo or at 6yo. I think it will depend on where we live. There are very few Montessori schools here in Portugal, so if we manage to move close to one, he might start at 3yo, otherwise I might do homeschooling and playdates until he's old enough to start first grade, which is at 6yo here.
You can try laminating with wax paper and iron, it's not as god as plastic but it helps (also it is not sharp so you don't have to worry about kids poking themselves) and it is better for environment because it's completely compostable.
OMG, there is a round corner cutter?!!!! I've been making my daughter's chinese flash cards and hand cutting the corners! THat's so awesome I'm so getting one!
I know the ballenger family has both of their youngest kids (1 and 3) doing a weekly music class online (I think they use Outschool). They homeschool their 5 kids and have a great video giving some real life tips and I really think their approach is fantastic. The youngest kids don't really do many structured activities, but they do the music class every week and it seems so fun if you want to look into something for social interaction or getting the girls used to doing a scheduled activity.
Since loving learning and learning to learn are the ultimate goals in life skills this was quite helpful for all of us having to test our "recipes" for learning daily with each child and subject.
I was down because things didnt went like i wanted them to be this year with homeschooling- and i almost didnt click on your video this time because i thought- its only me that struggles...but-thank you so much for your honesty and great video! I love all your videos-but honest talk videos are my vavorites now (also your vlogs). Take care and thank you!
Wow did i need to hear this video! We are having the exact same experience as you and I can't thank you enough for sharing so honestly how things are going!!! It really helped me to relax! Thank you!!
@@balesshippolova I do like the videos but the ecourse is a way to go back and reference information easier in my opinion. I still feel like I have so much to learn because this is all so new and nothing I've ever witnessed anyone do.
Ashley and Mike! OMG Congrats on the new business and your e-courses!! I am just now catching up on your videos because I had my first baby in May, I was watching your videos long before that but life has been busy for me and it is finally in a spot where I can spend time watching you guys! I just bought the object permanence box for my baby as a present for 'three kings day' (Family tradition equivalent to Christmas) and I can't wait to enroll on the e-course! Im waiting until we are a bit more packed to start the class because we bought a house and I really want to start setting the tone in the new place. Oh! And I have been messaging almost every video of yours for the longest in hopes you would home school and I can't believe it is happening! I mean, horrible the times we're living but what a great turnout! I want to homeschool and I have no idea how to but your channel is the biggest inspiration for me. I watch and re-watch all your videos and I keep going back for reference and my baby grows to make sure I am doing the best I can and as close to Montessori as possible. I went to a regular public school and honestly, I don't want that for my child. I hope you keep homeschooling and making more and more e-courses because you are very dedicated, smart and the way you explain things is fantastic! You are truly an inspiration. An e-course on positive discipline would be great! That is the one thing that I have been reading on and it is hard to re-wire so I don't do the things the way my parents did. Anyway! This got way too long but seriously I am so happy for you guys and how much this channel has evolved! Congrats and I can't wait for more! xoxo
Mike: Hey Pixky! Congrats on the baby and home purchase! Love your enthusiasm :) it keeps us motivated to keep doing the things we’re doing and we’re very grateful for your support! Good luck with the move to your new place!!
All I have to add is that I love that you even made your thumbnail the corner cutter 😂😂😂 My husband uses one frequently too-probably the only thing more satisfying than laminating itself is the unrivalled efficiency of the corner cutter 😍🤓💃🏻
Hapa Family lol nono, I am a nerd as well and also married one! If you need, take solace in the fact that you’re in very good company and the choir is happy to be preached to. Before the vid today, I huffed about his spreadsheet management because he insists on Google sheets for everything when excel is right there! I’ll concede that it’s good for ongoing lists, but sorting...oh custom sorting. Pivot tables...Excel 💕💕 Also, waiting for when you somehow combine Montessori activities and button makers. Kylie will lose her mind!
I have the identical thoughts as many of your commenters do! I love your approach, learning and adapting better ways to teach and guide according to the outcomes you're having along the way - following Kylie's lead . I also admire the sense of freedom your girls have esp when they want to go outdoors AND Mia's coat trick progress. This is another very helpful video my DIL and son look forward to using someday soon. [planning a family now]. Thank you Ashley for sharing so much.❤️ BTW, have you read any Aphie Kohn books? I'm going to look into ''French kids eat everything ...'', sounds good.
Do you have any videos of you presenting certain shelf work activities to Kylie for the first time? Especially if she wasn’t super focused or “getting it” the first time and how you handled it? Thanks so much for all your videos!!!
Ì love watching your videos .. I was thinking I might change my teaching routine ..but this has helped me realise that it's fine just the way it is .thank you
I totally went onto eBay and got myself a corner punch the second I finished watching this video! Thanks for the tip, I'm looking forward to preparing our cards for home ed 2021 😁
Such an amazing video! I'm the crazy homeschool mom obsessed with unit studies 🤣🤣🤣 But I get your point... Is not for everyone. It's really time consuming. That corner puncher!!! 😱😱😱 Where have it been all my life?! 😂
Remote learning is completely inappropriate for early childhood. I would argue it's inappropriate for everyone - humans need interaction with peers. Some of us get that from work, some from hanging out with friends, some from organized activities with friends, some from traditional school. Young children need this too...and right now with limited in-person activities allowed because of the pandemic, a lot of it just has to come from their family at home since that's the people they see. With so little support from the government, schools had to do SOMETHING...so we have remote learning. It's not a perfect system and doesn't address the social aspect of learning. It's so good to see you've settled into a system that works for you and your kids. Glad you're all safe and healthy ❤️
Sorry if this is a silly question, but if your kids do Montessori activities all day, what is the difference from the homeschool setting? Because you have a predetermined activity or subject? In a Montesori school kids have the 3h period that they choose different activities from the shelves, have time for free play and some life practical activity? Isn't the same that you did before homeschooling?
Loved this! Gives me such a sense of relief. We recently laid off the heavy unit work as well and started doing more typical Montessori work now that I’ve become more comfortable with homeschooling. Your videos have been super helpful!
Thanks for sharing your home school experience! I have a question: what does Mia do when Kaili is being home schooled? Do you have someone looking after Mia? I ask this because I have a 3yo and a 1yo daughters. I am homeschooling my 3yo, but finding it hard to look after my younger daughter at the same time. Really need some inspirations. Thanks!
Thank god Ashley for sharing this video ( so appreciated!)and give the honest updates because I was actually overwhelmed when I watched the first home school video on all the preparations of the material booklets. 😅
Off topic, but I HIGHLY recommend the book French Kids Eat Everything, And Yours Can Too! Its changed the way I look at the relationship with food between myself and my no longer picky toddler 😁 I would love to hear your thoughts on it if you read it, or even possibly do a video on it ❤
@@HapaFamily yes! I flew through it in 2 days, I couldn't put it down. Please do a summary video on it, so many parents could benefit from its concepts 😁❤
I am a working mom but trying Montessori at home. What's your curriculum recommendation for working mom as my child (27 months) is going to a Montessori daycare during the weekdays? I don't want to do daily activity planning like homeschooling because I only spend a few hours with my child each weekday and the weekends... I also have a 1 month old new born baby, life just so busy! Thank you so much Ashley!!
Have you thought of joining another Montessori parent on zoom to have a “play date” for Kylee? Even maybe from the school she was supposed to go too. They can play games like Pictionary, I Spy, do lego building challenges, tell each other stories. Maybe at first you and the other parent sit with them and guide the play.
She’s not really into being on a screen for interaction with someone, that’s the issue. Lol. She would rather be off doing something else. We might try again soon to see if her feelings about it have changed.
I have a 5 year old and I don’t know what program to use or how long to do school per day. My husband is home during the day and only does like 20 minutes of practicing writing his name and working out of a workbook
@@HapaFamily Cool! Your worries mirror mine. I taught Middle & High History, and everything must be their chronological/thematic unit. Can't wait to begin homeschooling in 3 years. Will follow your journey!
Love your videos. How long have you had the pink tower? Does Kylie still use it? What other Montessori items do you have for Kylie? Knobless cylinders? My child will be 4 soon and was curious if it was too late for some items like the pink tower.
I love how real and transparent you are. Great content as always, thank you. This is totally relatable and in the moment, relaxed, child led planning is definitely the way forward 🤩. Your doing a great job x
My daughter is homeschooled. She’s 6 and in 1st grade, and our homeschool time (M-F) only takes 1-2 hrs a day. The rest of the day is play inside and out. It amazes me (a K-12 public schooler) that she’s able to learn and thrive with such a short school day. I’m so happy I’m able to be home and be able to be a homeschool mom.
Thank you for this video. I had so much mommy guilt seeing all these perfect mommies online doing all those activities for their kids and then watching their kids working happily (at least that is what it looks like on those vlogs). They made me feel there is something wrong with the way I am doing this. It is such a relief to know that other mommies have similar struggles and that is OK to do things differently. For instance my daughter refuses to sit down and work on activities no matter what they are. I call it shelf repulsion. It gave so much stress I would get mad or cry. I took a step back and now all I do is play in a more natural way. At first this felt like she was not getting the most lt of homescholling I even questionned my decision tu pull her out of school. I am still working on making peace with my situation. I appreciate your honesty enormously.
Please do not feel that all we want to watch are smooth perfect routines. Withouth exposing your kids in a negative way, talking about the difficulties you face in this journey is very enriching for other moms like me.
This is so raw and transparent! I love how you took a step to back re-assess her enjoyment! Simplifying and keeping love of learning as a goal is so inspiring! This video was JUST what I needed to see. Thank you for sharing. This is absolutely phenomenal content! We have definitely had these same kind of moments, days, weeks. You are incredible parents doing your best!
This has lifted such a burden from my shoulders. I wanted something like this but wherever i saw i found the themed activities. I have literally wasted so many months in search of materials and little activities and things to make a big bundle to go through the week or the time for the unit study that i didn't do at all. I avoided even thinking about it and hence gave a lot of screentime to my sons so that i can brain storm or collect all the data. And i am so glad i would see this in your vlogs too now. Thankyou for updating us. I look upto you a lot like a sister who is wiser and more put together. You could just not do it and nobody would k ow IF you did all this to just gain followers. But you guys are so genuine. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart it means a lot sis.
Loved this update! I totally agree that unit studies sometimes feels like it is more for us (the adults) than the child. And also the work cycle - 25 mins is great for a 3 year old IMO. Free play totally counts too. Lots of love to all of you :) take it easy, Kylie seems like a kindergartener already with how much she knows 🤪
Thank you for being so honest about the challenges you are facing with homeschooling! It’s a breath of fresh air and I love that you share your updates and homeschooling unfolds. I think listening to your child and making sure learning is a positive activity is so important.
Can we just appreciate how adorable Ashley looks in the thumbnail?
Pure excitement! How lucky Kylie is to have a mom so excited for her development!
Simply thank you! Your struggles with a three year old made it so relatable.
I never comment, but I have to say this has to be one of my FAVORITE video of yours. I love your transparency and encouragement as well. Everything you talked about is exactly how it’s been going for my family and I. When we need to reset, we do and we’re completely ok with that. Thanks again for this!!
I’m happy you decided to comment! :)
I have started homeschooling since my daughter was born :p started 3 min at 3 months , now at 2 years she loves learning new things everyday for 10min max morning then evening again 10min
I try to make it fun and something she choose
Your youngest is around the same age as my little one. Your channel has been a major help as a mom and I am planning on homeschooling her as long as I possibly can. I really hope the homeschooling thing is something you will be doing for a while too because every stage of my little’s development has been so well timed with your youngest. Anyway this works and is very valuable
*corner cutter..... game changer! Thank you Ashley!!!!
I so admire your openness and humility with your approach to homeschooling. By responding organically to Kylie's needs and interests it seems you have found a better balance and flow. You show us that it's ok to take a step back and rethink things. Thanks Mama x
My child is the same age as your oldest. We've been out of school since the end of February, and I've been struggling with how to fill the day in a meaningful way since we're now missing the social and learning aspects of being physically in school. Your videos have been immensely helpful. Thank you!
I'm so glad to hear this update. This method seems so much more 'you' (and Montessori) than everything you had going on at the beginning of the year!
Genuine, real, and authentic mothering is the brand of your channel! This is what attracted me and others as well to your content. Please don’t shy away from sharing your style.. no mama wants to watch a perfect routine because none of us is perfect. I was actually eager to learn how you juggle your day which looks so much alike what you have just described in this video! You are greatly appreciated😊
I love your honesty in this video. You’re right that we don’t need to be perfect teachers always.. we are all just trying our best. 🧡
I so appreciate you keeping us updated along the way as you figure out what works and what doesn't! I also LOVE the corner cutter recommendation! Thank you!!
You have no idea how helpful this video was! I'm a mom of 2, homeschooling my 3 year old daughter while looking after my newborn. I'm not a teacher but I'm also trying to follow the Montessori approach, it's good to hear what your homeschooling experience with your daughter is like!
I appreciate your Real Talk/honesty, it’s what makes you so relatable ❤️. Thank you for this video!
Thank you very much for giving us an insight into your homeschooling routine. Thank you for saying the things that I kept wondering and questioning myself. I’m a stay at home mom and now I’m homeschooling my 3 and 4 yr olds. Thank you for saying out loud that it’s ok to try your best and some days are better than others. I am also living in a place where I don’t have any close family or anyone that I could have my girls socialize with other kids their age. The schools in our county are still not open and still doing remote learning. I’m so happy to be able to relate to someone. Love your channel!
My daughter was in a montessori from June-December but we are moving overseas and so we took her out. She is 2 1/2 and loved it! I am hoping we can find some fun ways to create our own montessori home preschool in Brazil.
As a safety note - her school was in CA (Orange County) and for 6 months with kids from 18 months thru kindergarten, there was not one Covid issue or positive diagnosis amongst the kids, staff or parents 🙏🏼 I totally understand that everyone has different comfort levels. Just sharing for some encouragement
Good for you for going with the flow and following your child and yourself! 💕 It’s hard when we want to do our best for them and feel it’s not enough, but, as you said, it is enough! They don’t need us to be perfect, just present. And from one Montessori homeschooling mama to another- the work cycle does get better! Even in a school setting children new to the classroom can take a few weeks or months to get into the groove and you really start to see deep concentration. Just trust your child and they will get there and it feels amazing to watch ❤️
Thanks for being honest in your homeschooling changes !! I thought i was the only one that was stressed doing the unit preparations.. and as you say, combined with the other things to do at house , i was so stressed! I kind of started doing as you say, combining what she felt like doing at the moment and transforming it into something educational ( never thought I was so creative hahaha) soooo thanks for your advices n this topic ❤️🙏🏻 kisses to the girls from Quito Ecuador 🇪🇨
I have just recently found your videos and thoroughly enjoy watching them! I've been homeschooling for over 30 years but I didn't know about the Montessori method until my oldest daughter trained to become a Montessori instructress. I've been hooked ever since and even attending some training with her. I'm a grandmother now (although my last son is a high school senior this year) and have 2 grandchildren that live on our land and another grandson that lives about 35 minutes away. The youngest two are almost a year old and the older one is almost three so your information has been spot on! I have converted one of the rooms in our old farmhouse into a Montessori room and have really enjoyed setting it up. I look forward to watching your videos and getting great ideas. Also, homeschooling is so in tuned with the Montessori method!
Your videos have been massively helpful to our family. My two boys are the same age and I am also a former teacher trying to figure this all out. Thank you for being so open about the messy parts of the homeschooling process. It is very refreshing and affirming!
I really admire how much grace you give yourself and how much wisdom you possess. I'm always learning from your videos and always feel encouraged and empowered. ❤️
Your videos are so satisfying to watch , especially during these crazy times.♥️♥️♥️♥️
I don't even have kids yet but I love these videos so much-- they're so interesting and inspiring.
I am 9
You'll be ready for if/ when you do have kids or hang out with them! 😁
OMG the corner puncher! I love that you demonstrated it because I was so curious lol. Ordering it for sure!
So good to hear that you've reassessed. I think when in doubt just turn around and read your poster on the wall. Play is the work of the child but even more importantly it is education!!
Bravo Ms. Ashley!!! I felt like I was not doing enough for my child ( he turned 4 this year but hasn’t been to pre-school yet due to the same reason). I had bought workbooks and all sorts of resources to begin his homeschooling but after a few weeks of it, I felt he was dreading the sessions. So I let go and decided to go with the flow and follow his lead. It definitely has been less stressful than what it was a few months ago! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
I soooo appreciate you talking about your routine and what homeschooling looks like for you right now. I have been STRUGGLING with planning and following through with "lessons" for my preschooler (I'm also a former teacher) and feeling like a failure for not being a "perfect teacher". I needed to hear this message today, thank you!
Due to my husband's unpredictable work schedule, we are constantly thrown off any hour-by-hour plan I try to carry out and I've just given up lol. Now that I let the kids take the lead in what they want to do, we have much more peace and way less stress in our home.
Ashley!! This video-yaaasss! I’ve been feeling off the past few days and just really dragged down with trying to find activities and then being frustrated when my son isn’t interested. I feel so refreshed after watching your video! Thank you for the vote of confidence 🤗❤️
I needed to hear this. I started super excited with all the unit studies too, then it got overwhelming planning for it only to realize that it’s just a one time use. So I ended up doing it on a fly then not doing it at all. I’m also a college student (and currently remote learning) so life got super busy that I put homeschooling on the back corner which I feel so guilty about. I haven’t been able to sit down and focus on planning. Thank you for the reminder that I’m not alone in this.
You practically saw the pros and cons of remote montessori preschool and took a decision. Unit studies were great but time consuming
for parents and a bit overwhelming for kids who were already busy with their curriculum.
My toddler was a lot into books, than toys. So I bought new books. Now running around the house, pulling things off the kitchen has become new favorites. Still I keep rotating the books on shelves and made peace with it. Thanks for educating us about it.
No parks, no zoos, no long drives, no shopping,.... we felt Kids are getting wild at home! I m staying with my parents for safety in this situation. I didn't take my kid beyond our yard, which we share it with my cousins. Both the children(my cousins preschooler n my toddler) meet and spend sometime with each other before lunch, as I know about them. I feel you'll find a similar family for play dates soon! All the best
This is so helpful! Thank you for sharing and being honest about your experience. It's our first year on home-ed (we are based in the UK) and it's taking time for me to find my feet. I've found your content so helpful and inspiring!
Extremely thankful for your channel!
Always enjoy the videos, in just in a couple weeks I've already seen Improvement thank you HAPA family 😊
Omg !!! I have been looking for something to cut paper corners. Thank you , will definitely be buying this .
Thanks for your video! Will you be doing an updated video for 18mo+ activities with Mia soon? We have been loving following them as my LO is a couple months younger than her. :)
How do you keep Mia engaged or away when you and Kylie are working on an activity? I have a 4 year old daughter and a 1 year old son and I can never manage to get time away from the toddler to work with the preschooler except when he's sleeping !
Thank you for sharing! I love that you reassessed and improved the situation for Kylie!
I'm glad my son is only 7mo, so he doesn't need to socialise with other kids yet. We're still thinking whether he should start school at 3yo or at 6yo. I think it will depend on where we live. There are very few Montessori schools here in Portugal, so if we manage to move close to one, he might start at 3yo, otherwise I might do homeschooling and playdates until he's old enough to start first grade, which is at 6yo here.
Lol. Yes! Corner punch for photo album making! So great!
I started watching 44 minutes after this was posted, when I became the 44th like. At 53 minutes after posting there are 53 likes. Very satisfying
😂
You can try laminating with wax paper and iron, it's not as god as plastic but it helps (also it is not sharp so you don't have to worry about kids poking themselves) and it is better for environment because it's completely compostable.
I tried this, cuz I loved the idea, but mine came out so wrinkly
I love this video and your honesty! ❤️
OMG, there is a round corner cutter?!!!! I've been making my daughter's chinese flash cards and hand cutting the corners! THat's so awesome I'm so getting one!
I know the ballenger family has both of their youngest kids (1 and 3) doing a weekly music class online (I think they use Outschool). They homeschool their 5 kids and have a great video giving some real life tips and I really think their approach is fantastic. The youngest kids don't really do many structured activities, but they do the music class every week and it seems so fun if you want to look into something for social interaction or getting the girls used to doing a scheduled activity.
Since loving learning and learning to learn are the ultimate goals in life skills this was quite helpful for all of us having to test our "recipes" for learning daily with each child and subject.
I was down because things didnt went like i wanted them to be this year with homeschooling- and i almost didnt click on your video this time because i thought- its only me that struggles...but-thank you so much for your honesty and great video! I love all your videos-but honest talk videos are my vavorites now (also your vlogs). Take care and thank you!
Wow did i need to hear this video! We are having the exact same experience as you and I can't thank you enough for sharing so honestly how things are going!!! It really helped me to relax! Thank you!!
We purchased your e-course yesterday. We are expecting our first baby next year. I love your content!
Where did you purchase the e course book?
I'm probably minority but I did not like it, the videos are way easier for me to follow.
@@MM-ly7be she has a link on one of her previous videos.
@@balesshippolova I do like the videos but the ecourse is a way to go back and reference information easier in my opinion. I still feel like I have so much to learn because this is all so new and nothing I've ever witnessed anyone do.
Your enthusiasm for the corner punch haha what a nerd 🤓😂 I love it. I was just as excited that a tool like that exists
Yes!!!! 😜😜😜🤓🤓🤓
Ashley and Mike! OMG Congrats on the new business and your e-courses!! I am just now catching up on your videos because I had my first baby in May, I was watching your videos long before that but life has been busy for me and it is finally in a spot where I can spend time watching you guys! I just bought the object permanence box for my baby as a present for 'three kings day' (Family tradition equivalent to Christmas) and I can't wait to enroll on the e-course! Im waiting until we are a bit more packed to start the class because we bought a house and I really want to start setting the tone in the new place. Oh! And I have been messaging almost every video of yours for the longest in hopes you would home school and I can't believe it is happening! I mean, horrible the times we're living but what a great turnout! I want to homeschool and I have no idea how to but your channel is the biggest inspiration for me. I watch and re-watch all your videos and I keep going back for reference and my baby grows to make sure I am doing the best I can and as close to Montessori as possible. I went to a regular public school and honestly, I don't want that for my child. I hope you keep homeschooling and making more and more e-courses because you are very dedicated, smart and the way you explain things is fantastic! You are truly an inspiration. An e-course on positive discipline would be great! That is the one thing that I have been reading on and it is hard to re-wire so I don't do the things the way my parents did. Anyway! This got way too long but seriously I am so happy for you guys and how much this channel has evolved! Congrats and I can't wait for more! xoxo
Mike: Hey Pixky! Congrats on the baby and home purchase! Love your enthusiasm :) it keeps us motivated to keep doing the things we’re doing and we’re very grateful for your support! Good luck with the move to your new place!!
Ashley: and with regard to the e-course on positive discipline, stay tuned hopefully in the next week or so.... 🤫😬👏🏻🥳
I just brought a laminator and paper cutter and a Conner rounder on amazon today, then saw your video tonight, what a coincidence!
All I have to add is that I love that you even made your thumbnail the corner cutter 😂😂😂 My husband uses one frequently too-probably the only thing more satisfying than laminating itself is the unrivalled efficiency of the corner cutter 😍🤓💃🏻
Total nerd here 🤓🤓🤓🤓🤓😂😂😂😂😂 (Edited to add: I meant myself - and that I’m so glad to be able to nerd out in good company! Lol)
Hapa Family lol nono, I am a nerd as well and also married one! If you need, take solace in the fact that you’re in very good company and the choir is happy to be preached to.
Before the vid today, I huffed about his spreadsheet management because he insists on Google sheets for everything when excel is right there! I’ll concede that it’s good for ongoing lists, but sorting...oh custom sorting. Pivot tables...Excel 💕💕
Also, waiting for when you somehow combine Montessori activities and button makers. Kylie will lose her mind!
I have the identical thoughts as many of your commenters do! I love your approach, learning and adapting better ways to teach and guide according to the outcomes you're having along the way - following Kylie's lead . I also admire the sense of freedom your girls have esp when they want to go outdoors AND Mia's coat trick progress. This is another very helpful video my DIL and son look forward to using someday soon. [planning a family now]. Thank you Ashley for sharing so much.❤️ BTW, have you read any Aphie Kohn books? I'm going to look into ''French kids eat everything ...'', sounds good.
Yes! I have and I love it :)
I have that same corner rounder and am similarly excited about it! 🤣
Do you have any videos of you presenting certain shelf work activities to Kylie for the first time? Especially if she wasn’t super focused or “getting it” the first time and how you handled it? Thanks so much for all your videos!!!
Ì love watching your videos .. I was thinking I might change my teaching routine ..but this has helped me realise that it's fine just the way it is .thank you
Thx for sharing. I appreciate your honestly.
I really don’t know how others do unit studies! It was frustrating but what you said was liberating. Lol I thought it was just me.
Thank you for sharing!
I totally went onto eBay and got myself a corner punch the second I finished watching this video! Thanks for the tip, I'm looking forward to preparing our cards for home ed 2021 😁
Such an amazing video!
I'm the crazy homeschool mom obsessed with unit studies 🤣🤣🤣
But I get your point... Is not for everyone. It's really time consuming.
That corner puncher!!! 😱😱😱 Where have it been all my life?! 😂
Yay New video !
Remote learning is completely inappropriate for early childhood. I would argue it's inappropriate for everyone - humans need interaction with peers. Some of us get that from work, some from hanging out with friends, some from organized activities with friends, some from traditional school. Young children need this too...and right now with limited in-person activities allowed because of the pandemic, a lot of it just has to come from their family at home since that's the people they see. With so little support from the government, schools had to do SOMETHING...so we have remote learning. It's not a perfect system and doesn't address the social aspect of learning. It's so good to see you've settled into a system that works for you and your kids. Glad you're all safe and healthy ❤️
Sorry if this is a silly question, but if your kids do Montessori activities all day, what is the difference from the homeschool setting? Because you have a predetermined activity or subject? In a Montesori school kids have the 3h period that they choose different activities from the shelves, have time for free play and some life practical activity? Isn't the same that you did before homeschooling?
Loved this! Gives me such a sense of relief. We recently laid off the heavy unit work as well and started doing more typical Montessori work now that I’ve become more comfortable with homeschooling. Your videos have been super helpful!
Thanks for sharing your home school experience! I have a question: what does Mia do when Kaili is being home schooled? Do you have someone looking after Mia? I ask this because I have a 3yo and a 1yo daughters. I am homeschooling my 3yo, but finding it hard to look after my younger daughter at the same time. Really need some inspirations. Thanks!
I have the same corner punch! I no longer butcher my corners with hand cutting 😪
Thank god Ashley for sharing this video ( so appreciated!)and give the honest updates because I was actually overwhelmed when I watched the first home school video on all the preparations of the material booklets. 😅
Off topic, but I HIGHLY recommend the book French Kids Eat Everything, And Yours Can Too! Its changed the way I look at the relationship with food between myself and my no longer picky toddler 😁 I would love to hear your thoughts on it if you read it, or even possibly do a video on it ❤
I own it, read it, loved it! Couldn’t agree more! One of the more interesting books I’ve read this year!
@@HapaFamily yes! I flew through it in 2 days, I couldn't put it down. Please do a summary video on it, so many parents could benefit from its concepts 😁❤
What are your thoughts about ShillerLearning Montessori curriculums for language arts and math?
I am a working mom but trying Montessori at home. What's your curriculum recommendation for working mom as my child (27 months) is going to a Montessori daycare during the weekdays? I don't want to do daily activity planning like homeschooling because I only spend a few hours with my child each weekday and the weekends... I also have a 1 month old new born baby, life just so busy! Thank you so much Ashley!!
Do you think you guys are going to sell the kids Montessori and me shirts again? They are so cute!😊
Do you have a separate area for homeschooling or is it all in the playroom? How many homeschooling materials do you actually put out on the shelves?
How long montessori kindergarden should be per day?
Dear.....will you open sale your coarses again or no.....????
Have you thought of joining another Montessori parent on zoom to have a “play date” for Kylee? Even maybe from the school she was supposed to go too. They can play games like Pictionary, I Spy, do lego building challenges, tell each other stories. Maybe at first you and the other parent sit with them and guide the play.
She’s not really into being on a screen for interaction with someone, that’s the issue. Lol. She would rather be off doing something else. We might try again soon to see if her feelings about it have changed.
@@HapaFamily oh that’s understandable. It’s hard when they are little.
Did you change the color of your background wall? I like it!
Yep! Our room used to be this beige and brown color, but we repainted everything when we remodeled! :)
I had the same experience hitting the "waste of time" wall. I would prep so much and she wouldn't be remotely into it when I wanted to teach it.
what is the montessori method on strollers?
How to write a lesson plan for 3year old in montessori method.
Can you make a video about babysitters? I dont know how to handle this
Most waiting vedio from soo many months......
Yay! New video 😍😊
I would love to know more about your dinosaur unit. Im starting to do that unit.
our-little-nest.com/dinosaur-unit-study-montessori-preschool-homeschool/
Thank you very much... Im in love with your channel and currently doing your course on Montessori.
I has been, by far, the best series on montessori that Ive found on line. Thank you for so much.
You will fall in love. Im on year 2 and a half and I dont think my kids will ever go back.
I have a 5 year old and I don’t know what program to use or how long to do school per day. My husband is home during the day and only does like 20 minutes of practicing writing his name and working out of a workbook
We use thinking tree journals and unit studies. We are child led learners and it has worked so well for us.
what is the minimum age for a child to be able to dress themselves?
What grade did you teach?
7th and 8th grade science!
@@HapaFamily Cool! Your worries mirror mine. I taught Middle & High History, and everything must be their chronological/thematic unit. Can't wait to begin homeschooling in 3 years. Will follow your journey!
3 h seems so long. I am 20 an can only focus for like 2h or so ^^. Even with Breaks it is very much
Body breaks are plentiful and because the children aren't sitting in desks the whole time or at all the 3 hrs goes by so quickly!!
Epson printer heads dry out. Brother printer heads dont just fyi
Hi Ashley, left you a private msg in Instagram regarding problems with one of your e course that I purchased. Can you please help me? Thanks😬
I find myself daily asking how would Ashley handle this? 😂 WWAD
Ha ha, totally. It was fun to see how popular Ashley is on the Peanut app montessori groups.
Love your videos. How long have you had the pink tower? Does Kylie still use it? What other Montessori items do you have for Kylie? Knobless cylinders? My child will be 4 soon and was curious if it was too late for some items like the pink tower.
I love how real and transparent you are. Great content as always, thank you. This is totally relatable and in the moment, relaxed, child led planning is definitely the way forward 🤩. Your doing a great job x