@Tanya Bertoli Welcome!! Absolutely. Applying the Montessori approach is incredibly beneficial to development, even before little ones start school. Some simple Montessori activities you can try at home to encourage speech and language development include: • Object naming: Get a few household objects (e.g., ball, cup), name each one to them, and encourage your child to point to, hold, or try to say the word. • Three-period lesson: Introduce one or two new vocabulary words at a time. For example: "This is a spoon." Then ask, "Can you give me the spoon?" And lastly, ask "What is this?" This builds understanding before we expect the child to say these words independently. • Read together every day: Choose books with realistic pictures, point to objects, and ask them simple questions to encourage conversation. • Practical Life activities: Invite your child to help pour water, fold towels, or prepare a snack as you talk through each step. Everyday routines create natural opportunities for language. • Grace and Courtesy: Model simple greetings and conversational phrases like "May I have...?" or "Thank you," and then practice them together in real situations. I'd be happy to recommend additional Montessori activities based on your child's current communication skills. Feel free to message me!

@Robin Straiken Glad to have you here! Transitioning from a traditional school setting to Montessori homeschooling is understandably a big change, and our community will be here to provide you with any guidance you need. There will also be some lessons posted to our classroom on managing these transitions, both from traditional to Montessori learning and the other way around so keep an eye out! One of the biggest mindset shifts is remembering that a prepared environment isn't about having a room full of Montessori materials. It's about creating a space that supports a child's development; this considers many aspects including independence, ownership of work, and respect for self and the surrounding environment. For upper elementary learners, I'd recommend focusing on a few key areas first: • Create an organized workspace. Keep materials accessible and clearly organized. A simple, uncluttered environment will minimize distractions and help them keep focus throughout the day. • Provide purposeful choices. Instead of filling shelves with lots of activities, start with a smaller number of options that match your child's current interests, readiness, and learning goals. • Include opportunities for independence. Think beyond academics. Create systems where your child manages their own supplies, cares for the learning space, and tracks their work. • Establish a consistent work rhythm. Montessori isn't about recreating a traditional school schedule. Aim for uninterrupted work periods where your child can engage deeply with their work at their own pace before transitioning to the next activity. Since your children are coming from a traditional school background, I'd also give them time to adjust. It usually takes a little while for children to become comfortable with the increased independence and responsibility that Montessori offers. While we develop lessons on managing these transitions, feel free to ask for any guidance as you set up your space! You can send a direct message or just post in the community chat 😊