Welcome to episode 105 with Pilar Bewley of Mainly Montessori. In this episode Pilar took time out to talk about embracing a Montessori mindset in homeschooling. We talked about the Montessori philosophy and how that plays out in the home environment vs the classroom. We also explored why Pilar feels homeschooling Montessori supports her family best.
Pilar is a former Montessori child, homeschool mentor, and Montessori advocate.
In addition to a B.Sc. in Hospitality Management and ample entrepreneurial experience, Pilar holds AMI certifications for ages 3-12, a Master’s degree in Montessori education, and Positive Discipline parent and classroom certifications. Pilar has a decade of classroom experience at Primary and Elementary levels, and has been homeschooling her children for three years.
She created Mainly Montessori to support homeschooling parents, because she believes that Montessori can help parents raise lifelong learners. Pilar lives with her children and husband in Southern California.
What You Will Learn In This Episode~Homeschooling With A Montessori Mindset
Pilar and I connected on our beliefs around child centred, interest led learning and the power of homeschooling. Creating a secure family attachment is paramount for us both. We also dove into a topic that comes up often for homeschooling parents-Screen-Time. Pilar shared her personal observations, being screen free, the expectations and the impact it has had in their home. We also explored;
- Deschooling – what it has meant for Pilar and why it has been an important part of their family transition from school to homeschool
- Observation, play and preparing the learning environment
- Homeschooling With A Montessori Mindset- Child Centred Learning and respecting a child as their own force
- The power of the homeschool environment
- Screen-time- expectations, limitations and impacts
- Raising life long learners in each stage of growth and development-in what ways can we best prepare for each stage?
- Parenting- Positive Discipline, respect and boundaries
- Freedom and responsibility
This was a conversation from the heart. I believe that our homeschooling community is connected on the foundation of supporting and respecting the individual learner.
In this episode, you’ll also get to hear a little more of my family’s personal unschooling journey, especially as it plays out for our oldest. He’s a teen, off on his personal learning adventure. Pilar and I discuss the transition into adulthood, letting go and allowing our children to follow their own path as they contribute to the broader world.
Resources
If you would like to connect with Pilar or learn more about her work, this is where you can find her:
Free Private Facebook Group- Second Plane Montessori This space is for homeschoolers, parents, and educators who are guiding children between the ages of 6 and 12 using the Montessori approach.
Instagram~ Mainly.Montessori
Mainly Montessori YouTube Channel
If you are interested in learning more about the Montessori practice, check out my interview with Jeanne Marie Paynel
Are you enjoying the podcast? I would love to hear from you. Just head to my contact page and send me a message. If you would like to offer support, join my Patreon community ~ https://www.patreon.com/honeyimhomeschoolingthekids
