A month ago when schools suddenly closed down due to the pandemic, and we began distance learning, it was hard to imagine how a Montessori school can even be conducted over a virtual platform. Montessori schools are built on the principles of hands on concrete materials and a prepared environment which distance learning, just cannot satisfy.
With a few key changes, though, we were able to accommodate the distant learning and provide the children with some form of normalcy.
DISTANCE LEARNING TRIAL AND ERROR
To be completely honest, the first week was a disaster. This has nothing to do with the teachers and staff. In fact, I’m quite impressed at how the teachers continue to provide stimulating assignments for the children despite not being able to observe them in the classroom. I am incredibly amazed at the ingenuity and creativity of the teachers in providing relevant lessons using printable materials and their ability to utilize all the different platforms available online.
That being said, Montessori students are used to a routine and system that when suddenly changed can be very difficult to deal with. It takes time to build these habits. So, naturally we were dysfunctional for quite a few days of distance learning. But, now we are starting to finally settle in to a routine.
HERE ARE MY MUST-HAVES FOR DISTANCE LEARNING
DESIGNATED WORK AREA OR CLASSROOM
The first thing that we needed was a designated work area. For some, a home office or even a dinning table seems to work. But, for us, we learned quickly that neither of those options would work. Our home office is a shared office space for both my husband and I, my craft room, and our media room. There are way too many distractions in the room for anyone to focus, let alone three elementary age kids. The dinning room is the center of our home, and thus too accessible to the little ones. If the kids even tried to work there, the little ones would be sure to make it impossible.
So, instead, we dissembled the bed in the guest room, and moved it in to the garage. Then, we pushed all the remaining furniture against the wall, and shopped around the house until we brought in EVERYTHING a child would need in a makeshift classroom. The kids desks from their rooms, an old dry erase board that was laying around, a set of floor chairs from my room, the 3-tier rolling cart from our summer school, small baskets, boxes and trays from our Montessori stash in the toy room, and a stool from my sewing table. The end result, a makeshift Montessori classroom.
COMPUTER/ LAPTOP OR TABLET
This one is self explanatory. To be able to do school work online, you need to have a computer, laptop or tablet is a must. We are using the guest room dresser as our computer table, and the stool from my sewing table as the seating for our temporary computer table. Our makeshift computer table is not comfortable to sit on for an extended period of time, so this computer station is mainly only for checking the daily assignments, and staying current on virtual classroom chats.
CLOCK & SCHEDULE
With all the assignments and meetings that the kids have to keep track of, a clock is a necessity. Being aware of the time not only allows them to independently manage attendance of their video conferencing, but it also allows them to keep track of other events during the day. The schedule, which lists all the scheduled video conferences and other mutually agreed activities, such as snack time and lunch, allows the kids to independently manage their day and respect their siblings need for the use of the computer.
HANDS ON MATERIALS
One of the things I love about Montessori is their use of concrete tools to help the child understand abstract concepts. Without the materials, Montessori is incomplete. Printable versions lack the tactile experience that children gain from using the authentic Montessori materials. That does not mean that one should purchase all of the materials. In fact, unless you are homeschooling long term, the materials will not get much used much once school resumes and the children are no longer using distance learning.
So, I’m suggesting a moderate approach. There are some Montessori materials that are versatile . Observe the child and determine which materials are interested in. Invest in those materials that not only are interesting to your child, but also versatile so that it be used in multiple ways. You can either purchase them or make a DIY version of it. I suggest investing in only 2-3 Montessori materials. There are plenty of inspirations and tutorials on the internet. I have two tutorials I’ve previously shared on this blog that you can also check out.
Click here to check out the Math Checkerboard which is for elementary age children.
Click here to check out the tutorial on a toddler level activity, the Coin Box.
THE MONTESSORI MATERIALS IN OUR ELEMENTARY DISTANCE LEARNING CLASSROOM
We have invested in a plastic version of the Base Tens and a set of Checkerboard Beads. I also handmade a fabric version of the math checkerboard. In addition to all that, we did purchase the Negative Snake Game and the Large Bead Frame. But, to be completely honest, it was just to satisfy my little one’s wants. It gives her comfort to know she has a math shelf in her home, and that allows her to have some form of normalcy during the school day. As a bonus, I do have two other children who can benefit from these materials. So, for us, these materials are worth the investment.
THE CONFERENCE ROOM
To some, it may seem optional. But when juggling multiple children, having a separate designated area for the video conferencing will allow the children to be more productive. You’ll want to choose a quiet area that is free of distractions. For us, that was the area that I normally would use for my YouTube videos. It has a comfortable couch to sit on, a small coffee table for the laptop, outlets to connect the laptop and enough lighting for the children to be able to read or write. There is also a door which can be shut to prevent the toddlers from interrupting and disrupting the conference as well as serve as a sound barrier for those working in the adjacent room.
THESE ARE OPTIONAL BUT I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM
ALARM CLOCK
Distance learning does not mean the children will be glued to their computers. In fact, Montessori students, should only use the computer as a tool for interacting with their teachers and peers. The remaining time should be spent independently working through lessons. The alarm clock is helpful when the children need a reminder of an upcoming meeting. For example, our upper elementary teacher does not have a set schedule for some of the presentations. So, during the morning discussion, she will let the children know when to return to the chat. Having an alarm clock helps to remind the children of their video conference.
MEAL MENU
We always keep a menu during the regular school days to help our mornings run smoothly. So, it only made sense to continue using the menu during our distance learning. Having a set schedule of breakfast, lunch and snacks keeps meal times from overextending. Bonus points if the kids can make their lunch in the mornings just like they would during regular school days. In our home, every kid makes their own breakfast. Snack is arranged by the child who recommended it, and lunch is usually a group effort.
This experience is new and we are all learning as we go along. bring someone the much needed relief in these stressful times. Please leave me a comment and share any tip or trick that is helping you make the most of distance learning.
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