18 years ago we were pioneering home schoolers in South Africa. We were founder members of the South African Homeschool Association.We had three daughters within three and a half years. I attended various Montessori courses and started my own little Montessori school because I wanted to use the Montessori materials and create the prepared environment. When we reached the primary years, I had to choose between building a school, and homeschooling, we opted for the latter.

Throughout the early years we followed our homemade Montessori way. I followed the girl’s lead, and they developed their unique talents. I attempted to open as many windows to the world as possible. We only used a textbook if we could not do it for real. After much experimentation we settled on a homeschool curriculum called “Konos” that helped us with in-depth exploration in co-operation with other homeschooling families. Later we completed school with Cambridge University HIGCSE’s.

By then 17 year-old Joy was establishing herself as a music teacher in three instruments. Desiree went on to study Occupational Therapy. She is a top student and a Christian missionary. Jessica is the youngest and soaked up everything I taught the other two. At 14 she had completed IGCSE’s and decided to go to normal school “for the fun of it”. She excelled and received Honors Awards every year. Now she is studying Pharmacy with a scholarship.

They are beautiful, well balanced, whole adults. To every parent ready to make the commitment I would wholeheartedly reccommend homeschooling the Montessori way.

I like that you’ve chosen different options for each child – kids are unique, so it makes sense to go with what works for each of them. I’d love to hear updates once your other child starts Montessori preschool!