Question:
I am trying to get myself together a schedule for our 3-year-old twins. Well, they turn 3 on the 13th. I am hoping to find some guidance for a schedule, any thoughts.
Answer:
Naturally, I am more of a routine person than a schedule person. May be that’s another reason why Montessori is such a good fit for us. Montessori recommends that the boys control a large portion of the day by choosing their own materials to work on. Nevertheless, we are creatures of habit and tend to follow the same routine everyday. Some refer to this as a family’s “rhythm”.
You can also choose to follow a Montessori preschool’s schedule, which you can find by Googling “Montessori Preschool Schedule”, but I recommend making your own routine that fits your family’s rhythm. Most importantly, a routine offers flexibility (unlike a schedule) and is much more child-led than dictating what the child will do from 9-10. Here’s an example of our routine, but I’m sure you’ll discover what works for your family.
Keep in mind that most AMS Montessori Certified teachers recommend 3 hours of undisturbed Montessori work. I’ve found that we are successful with different amounts of work on different days. Some days we do 1 hour, some days we do 3 hours. It’s all dependent on the boys’ mindset for the day. Flexibility is one of the main benefits of homeschooling that I love.
I hope that helps answer your question. Another great post is Setting a Montessori Homeschool Classroom Schedule by Living Montessori NOW. In the post, Deb offers her experience as a Montessori homeschooler. If anyone else has recommendations, please leave them in the comments. As always, I learn as much from you, as you do from me, if not more.
Thanks for sending me great questions. You inspire me to keep blogging!
Looks like a great schedule! We get dressed, eat breakfast, then head down to our school room. We stay there for anywhere between an hour and 2 and half hours. Then lunch, naps, and movie. After that we have more play time. Sometimes Bunny goes down to the school room while Pup is sleeping, sometimes not. We are really felxible right now! I really agree with you though, it is all about a routine, not a time table so much! Thanks for sharing! I love your blog and you guys!
Thanks Stephanie. I love your family and blog too. Thanks for sharing your routine. It’s fun to hear what other people are doing too. Have a fun week!
I love the way you do not set times on your schedule. I have had so much trouble when I try to fit our life into a “timed” schedule and am always disappointed when it doesn’t work out like it should. Thank you for visiting my blog and for leaving such a kind comment!
Kyle
Thanks for swinging by, Kyle! I’m lucky to have found your blog. :)
Lori, I think you’ve addressed this issue really well!
‘Following the child’ is definitely a must! So as you said, “Some days we do 1 hour, some days we do 3 hours.” I think that you hit the nail on the head when you talked about routine/rhythm versus schedule. Many times schedules bring about frustration (both for child, and then for the adult) because they don’t accommodate for the inner needs of the child.
Thank you. I love that you added that schedules tend to “bring about frustration (both for child, and then for the adult) because they don’t accommodate for the inner needs of the child.” So well said!