The shelf is perfect. The materials are ready. But your child isn’t interested, and you’re wondering if you messed it all up. Sweet friend, you didn’t. You just need to start here.

You can’t buy your way into Montessori. And you definitely can’t guess your way in. Montessori at home begins not with materials, but with observation—truly seeing your child. In this post, Child of the Redwoods shares a clear, confidence-boosting 3-step roadmap to help you move from overwhelm to clarity and connection. Whether you're just getting started or feeling stuck, this gentle guide will help you find your rhythm and make your next step count.

Forget the Pinterest-perfect lists of a hundred things to buy. This warm and grounded guide shares the real essentials—Montessori materials that are worth the investment (or a fun DIY). With heartfelt reflections and personal recommendations, Aubrey breaks down her top picks in Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural—so you can stop second-guessing and start homeschooling with confidence and joy. Spoiler: your love and presence matter more than anything on this list.

You don’t need white walls, wooden toys, or Instagram-worthy shelves to do Montessori right. In this heartfelt guide, Aubrey shares how her living room evolved into a learning space—not by spending thousands or starting from scratch, but by observing her children, rearranging furniture, and making space for real life. Whether your living room is tidy or full of toys and laundry baskets, it can still be the heart of a thriving Montessori homeschool.

You won’t find color-coded charts or jam-packed schedules here. Just a real story from a mom who chose slow mornings, outdoor adventures, and trust in her child’s development over rigid structure. In this post, Aubrey shares what a typical homeschool day looked like when her children were preschoolers, offering a beautiful reminder that you don’t need to do more—you need to notice more. This is real Montessori for real families.

Your dining table isn’t just for meals—it’s where math gets real, conversations flow, and toddlers learn the art of carrying soup without spilling it. In this joyful and practical post, Aubrey shows how the dining space can become the beating heart of your Montessori homeschool. With ideas for accessibility, beauty, independence, and connection, you’ll see your ordinary table in an extraordinary new light.

Most new homeschoolers assume they need to fill seven hours a day with structured lessons. The truth? You don’t. In this deeply honest and encouraging episode, Aubrey and David Hargis open up about how little time it actually takes to cover the Montessori lower elementary curriculum—and how organic, interest-led learning does the rest. With the painter’s palette analogy and touching real-life stories, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent wondering if they’re doing enough. (Spoiler: you are.)

From floor beds and toddler wardrobes to deep conversations and cuddly read-alouds, the bedroom is more than a place to sleep—it’s a rich environment for learning and growth. In this heartfelt post, Aubrey shares how Montessori principles can guide your child’s bedroom setup through every stage of childhood. You’ll walk away inspired to reimagine this everyday space as a place where independence, emotional safety, and beautiful homeschool moments begin.