Thank you everyone for the lovely feedback on these Montessori home tours. It’s not all about having the perfect spaces. We know that real kids live here and many times there are going to be messes. But we can dream and get a little inspired, right?! We are moving towards making our homes more accessible for our children, making them a little more beautiful, a little less cluttered, and with fewer but better selected activities that they are working to master.
Today the summer series continues as we go down under to Australia where I am originally from to visit the beautiful home of Kylie from the How We Montessori blog.
Kylie has two children, Caspar (9) and Otis (6) and is expecting her third child next month. I am sure you will find their home and the interview so inspiring. Every corner of their home is full of interesting things to explore, wonderful invitations for learning, and plants, lots of plants.
Be sure to check out her blog too. I know that I pin almost every post I read for all the gems in them. And I have loved watching Kylie’s children as they grow and as their interests change over the years. Preparing for this home tour, I also discovered this great selection of hand-picked favourites from Kylie.
We are so honoured to get this private tour. Let’s take a look around!
Who lives here?
I (Kylie) live with my husband Aaron, and my children Caspar (9ys) and Otis (6yrs). We are expecting a baby boy in early September 2017.
1. How did you find out about Montessori?
Not long after Caspar was born a friend recommended I look into Montessori. She just had a feeling it would suit me, she is a Waldorf parent so this recommendation was a little surprising. She was right. I borrowed a couple of books from the library and went from there. When Caspar was around 18 months old we started attending a Montessori parent toddler class and it was life changing. This was the first time I met and interacted with Montessori teachers and other Montessori parents. Nothing compares to being in a genuine Montessori environment. No matter how much you read, I always recommend parents attend a Montessori parent child class and experience Montessori in person.
2. What do you find resonates most with you about the Montessori approach?
The way parents are taught to observe and follow the child. That each child learns at their own pace. This is magic.
3. What is currently your favourite thing to do at home with Caspar and Otis?
I just love to talk to Caspar and get some insight into what is going on in his head. We will talk in the car or while cooking dinner together. He has the most wonderful ideas!
Otis is still very hands on with his learning. I love to observe him in his element. He loves to bake sweets and he gets so much enjoyment from cooking for his family. Today he made mini donuts and it was such a delight! I see the joy radiating from him. Otis loves getting messy with his art and he loves being around his family. He is still very snuggly and we love to curl up together with a good book.
4. Where do you hunt for Montessori style materials and furniture?
Everywhere. Just like Montessori is all around us, Montessori materials are all around us too. From nature walks to the supermarket. You can’t buy Montessori out of a box or from one store. I always have my eyes open for materials. Furniture can be difficult to source but you just need to keep an open mind. Handmade and second-hand markets are useful, I also shop a lot at educational stores that supply preschools, sometimes you can get a bargain. When my children were younger I would often DIY furniture, shorten easels and legs on chairs to make them better suited to the child.
5. What’s one tip you would give to other parents wanting to set up their home Montessori-style?
I honestly suggest parents take an ecourse! This is a really thorough approach which will help parents make systematic changes. Otherwise, it can get confusing, frustrating and overwhelming. The e-course explains the how and why. Simone: Hey, that’s my course. I promise I didn’t ask her to say this! Thank you Kylie.
If parents want to know more about the Montessori approach in general, I absolutely recommend looking for a local Montessori parent child class, they won’t regret it!
Thank you so much Kylie for sharing your Montessori journey with us and snapshots from around your home. In every corner there is something of interest, whilst not being overwhelming. And so fun to see you getting ready for the new baby. Best of luck from all of us in the coming months. We look forward to following along via the blog, on Facebook and on Instagram.
If you missed any of the Montessori home tours in the summer series, be sure to check them out here, here and here.
And the good news is I have more Montessori home tours coming your way soon. Til then…