MONTESSORI ONLINE RESOURCES: BLOGS, INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, AND PINTEREST
It’s a big, wide world out there and if you’re new to Montessori or trying to figure out if it’s a good fit for your family, it can be SO overwhelming. Typing “Montessori” into Google and making your way through the results can seem insurmountable. And if you’re the kind of person who took a look at my book recommendations and Just. Don’t. Have. The. Time., this list is for you (and that’s totally understandable, by the way!)
BLOGS
Two blogs helped me during the time when I was pregnant with my first and when he was first born. I know there are more out there, but these two are valuable, to the point, and easy to understand.
- Junnifa’s Nduoma
- Nicole’s The Kavanaugh Report
Both of these wonderful mothers have three children (Nicole has one more on the way, congrats!) and have suggestions and stories about what they have done at all ages. It was invaluable for me to see pictures of how their homes are set up, the processes they use for certain things, and what materials/works/toys they use for their children. Junnifa used to homeschool her children, but she has since finished her Montessori training (in Italy!) and started her own Montessori school in Nigeria. Nicole is self-taught (which proves you can do it too!) and homeschools her youngest at home while her oldest two attend Montessori school (but they all still use Montessori materials at home and have full participation in practical life at home.)
The best way for you to find accounts on Instagram is by following me (I’m very active on there as @stellanovamontessori) and seeing who I share on Mondays for #MontessoriMonday. My dear friends on Instagram live all over the world. Some of them homeschool, some teach Montessori, some make toys and materials, some are inclusive and provide resources on potentially challenging topics such as race, diversity, and sexual orientation, and some are Montessori inspired (and use other philosophies to homeschool). It’s such a great resource to see what other people are doing worldwide and figure out what may work for you.
Both Junnifa and Nicole have Instagram accounts as well.
I’m not the biggest Facebook user, which you will know if you know me personally, but the groups- the GROUPS! They are invaluable. I run two Facebook groups (one secret group for trained teachers who are also parents- let me know if you fit into this category and want to join)- and a new CT Montessori Parents group that isn’t quite active just yet- help me make that happen!
The BEST Facebook group to join is Montessori 101, run by some serious Montessorians and it’s such a great resource for people new to Montessori. You can ask any *silly* question you have and get some great answers from the 123,000 members at the time of this publication. You can also spend hours browsing, searching, and reading what past members have posted and shared. (Pro tip: mention “Montessori” in your post/question to get it shared.)
I’m a reformed Pinterest addict, but Pinterest can be a new Montessorian’s best friend. It can also lead you astray- quite a few activities on there claim to be Montessori but aren’t quite legit. One thing to know is that ANYONE (including any school!) can say they follow Montessori philosophy, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. So if you see something on Pinterest that claims to be Montessori- it very well may not be. If you think whatever activity is suitable for your family and your child, then by all means- go for it! But if you want to follow Montessori philosophy specifically, I suggest you ask me or perhaps in the Montessori 101 Facebook Group! I’d be happy to help.
The online Montessori community is welcoming, inclusive, positive, and helpful. Ask anyone a question, and you’ll get a helpful, honest answer.
Do you have any Montessori online resources that you’d like to share? Chime in below! I’ll check them out and update this as necessary!
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