Montessori Homeschool Hub FAQs

Who was the Montessori Homeschool Hub created for?

The Hub was designed for parents of elementary-aged children who want to homeschool using the Montessori approach. If you’re ready to use the Montessori principles and techniques to give your child the homeschool experience they deserve, then the Hub is right for you!

Why did you create the Hub?

I’ve been guiding Montessori parents for over a decade, both through my work in schools and through my social media outreach. I’ve always believed that there should be a Montessori training program specifically for parents, so when the pandemic hit and hundreds of parents reached out to me for support, I knew the time was right to turn this dream into a reality.  The Hub offers parents clarity, guidance, and support. It has become an online village where we share our homeschooling and parenting challenges, goals, and successes.

What benefits do Hub members receive each month?

Hub members have access to a variety of themed modules in video format and supportive printable resources that cover all aspects of Montessori homeschooling, from theory to application.  Topics include planning, storytelling, parenting tools, and an approachable understanding of the different academic subjects.  At least one new video lesson is added to the Hub each week, and each video lesson includes a comments section to ask questions and receive additional guidance.  Members also enjoy a lively private Facebook group with an encouraging community of like-minded parents.

What’s the difference between Hub Essentials and Hub Unlimited?

Hub Essentials members receive all the benefits listed above.  Members who purchase the Montessori Lesson Sequence Timeline (a combination scope & sequence and albums) are elevated to Hub Unlimited status and unlock amazing benefits, including a weekly Q&A video, a Montessori FAQ vault, and how-to videos to present lessons.  (Please scroll down to find answers related to the Timeline.)

Will I get a monthly lesson plan?

Not exactly. In the Hub, we firmly believe in following the child’s development and interests. Providing a one-size-fits-all lesson plan by age or grade level runs counter to the Montessori philosophy.  In the Hub, you'll learn how to create your own lesson plans that meet your child’s specific needs and interests.  

Can I use Montessori even if I’m not trained?

Yes! You already know your child better than anyone, and with the guidance you’ll find in the Hub you will feel equipped to guide your child.  I’m not going to promise you that it will be easy, because parents who want to use Montessori at home need to dedicate some time each day to preparing themselves and the learning environment.  However, most parents who choose the Montessori approach find the work enjoyable and are thrilled to discover how much they are learning alongside their child!

Will I learn how to tell the Great Stories?

Yes! The Great Stories set the foundation for the work in elementary. They can be told at any time of the year and help your child discover connections between subject areas.  You’ll learn how to tell the Great Stories, and you’ll be able to download the texts, plus additional resources to inspire follow-up work and explorations.

What else will I learn?

So much!  You’ll discover the characteristics of elementary-aged children, learn how to set up a functional home learning environment, and understand how to plan your week.  You’ll explore Montessori subjects, learn how to present the work of Fundamental Human Needs, and gain a variety of Positive Discipline tools to enhance your parent-child bond.  And there’s a lot more to explore!

Is the Hub self-paced or do I have to keep up with the group?

Each of us is at a different stage in our homeschooling journey, so the Hub is designed to be self-paced.  However, this doesn’t mean you’ll be alone!  Quite the contrary - you’ll finally feel like you found your tribe, because you’ll be surrounded by parents who understand your struggles, share your goals, and will encourage you to keep going!

If I join mid-year, do I have to catch up on everything I missed?

Joining a new membership can feel overwhelming.  You can dive into the entire series of Hub modules, or choose to start with a particular track to meet your short-term goals (like the Quick-Start track or the Academics track). And later you can shift to a different focus when you feel settled.

Can I use Montessori if my kids are used to traditional education?

Absolutely.  Many parents find that when they introduce the Montessori approach, their children rediscover their love of learning!  There will be a learning curve for the whole family, and it might take older children more time to learn to work independently, but the results are often incredible.  Not only do children advance academically, but the concepts they’re learning actually make sense for the first time!

Will I get access to all the modules from the day I join?

Yes, you get full access to all the modules and the Facebook group from the day you join.

How can I ask questions in the Hub?  Who answers my questions?

You can ask questions directly related to a specific video lesson in the comments section below each video.  For general questions, you can use the private Hub Facebook group.  If you’re a Hub Unlimited member, you can also submit two questions per week to be answered in the weekly Q&A video (and you can find answers to dozens of questions in the FAQ vault).  Most questions will be answered by Pilar Bewley, veteran AMI Primary and Elementary guide and the Hub’s creator.  The Hub also has several founding members who offer their wisdom and support in the Facebook group.  Take advantage of the hive mind, it’s a powerful thing!

Can I get private mentorship through the Hub?

Private mentorship is available to Hub members, but availability is limited to two spots per month.  Private mentorship includes one-on-one consulting calls and specific guidance to address homeschooling challenges or set up personalized lesson plans.  Additional consulting rates apply.

What if I decide the Hub isn't for me?

I believe so strongly that the Hub is a powerful and transformational space for Montessori homeschooling families that I offer a 30-day money back guarantee!  If you join the Hub and don’t feel more supported and inspired, you can quickly and easily cancel your membership within 30 days of joining, and get your money back.  You have nothing to lose and a whole new outlook to gain!

Do I have to invest a lot of money in Montessori materials?

Not necessarily.  If you’re homeschooling for the long term and know that Montessori is a right fit for your family, then having a few essentials will make it easier to help your child understand important concepts (and in the Hub you’ll find guidance for purchasing these essentials).  However, there are many affordable and creative ways to bring Montessori into your home, and in the Hub we offer suggestions for DIY materials and low-cost printables that replace expensive materials. 

Scroll down for Timeline FAQs

Lesson Sequence Timeline FAQs

Who was the Timeline created for?

The Timeline was created for homeschooling parents who want to follow the Montessori approach fully or as an important part of their homeschooling efforts.

Why did you create the Timeline?

When I launched the Hub, I didn’t set out to offer Montessori albums. However, the founding members of the Hub wanted an approach to the Montessori albums that was accessible, thorough, and easy to use for busy parents.  As a visual learner, I had always struggled with using the albums in their traditional binder format.  I basically “spread out” the albums over a six-year span (and added a kindergarten section from my Primary experience), and the Timeline was born!  I also included additional resources that I’ve used in classroom and homeschool settings over the years to complement the Montessori lessons.

What’s the difference between a boxed curriculum and the Timeline?

A curriculum is designed to be followed at a specific speed, and requires that we fit the child to the lessons.  Montessori is an approach - not a curriculum - and as such, allows us to fit the lessons to the child, taking into account their abilities, interests, and motivations.  While the Montessori approach to education certainly requires more effort and dedication than an open-and-go curriculum, the results are worth the effort!

Do I need to buy additional albums if I’m using the Timeline?

No!  The Timeline IS the AMI Elementary albums for geography, biology, history, language, math, and geometry.  However, instead of having six bulky binders, I’ve spread out the lessons over a six year period (plus a bonus kindergarten year!) to help you see the natural progression of lessons and understand how the subjects work together to provide a well-rounded education to your child.  In addition to the album lessons, I’ve also added additional resources that I’ve used in classroom and homeschool settings over the years to complement the Montessori lessons.

How does the Timeline work?

The Timeline consists of a visually-appealing online scope & sequence that spans kindergarten through sixth grade and covers the six main academic subjects (geography, biology, history, language, math, and geometry). You will also receive the Timeline in a PDF printable version.  The online Timeline features a variety of topics for each subject area and age range, laid out in a general sequence and aligned with the United States Common Core Standards.  Each topic in the online Timeline is a live link that leads to a sequence of lessons.  These lessons are downloadable and printable.  Most lessons also include links to free or low-cost high-quality printables from reputable Montessori vendors.  Some lessons also include book recommendations and ideas for extensions and follow-up work.  

What if my child is behind or ahead of their grade level?

The Timeline is spread out across a seven-year span (from kindergarten through the sixth grade) so you can see what's coming up and identify learning gaps.  While the columns are labeled by age range, we strongly encourage you to follow your child’s interests and abilities, and use the age ranges only as a starting point in your planning. 

What do I receive when I purchase the Timeline?

Upon purchasing the Timeline, you’ll receive a link to the online Timeline, a printable PDF version (color and black & white), a written tutorial and a short video tutorial.  If you’re a Hub member, you’ll also gain immediate access to the Hub Unlimited section so you can get use the Timeline to its fullest potential.

Do you offer the option of purchasing just one section of the Timeline?

No.  Segmenting the Timeline into Lower and Upper Elementary, or by subject, would not be supportive of your child’s interests and would not provide you with the tools to support their development. Montessori in the elementary years should be viewed as a spiral approach. This means that you don’t always have to follow the lesson sequences linearly, but can dip into more advanced lessons if your child shows an interest.  

Can I purchase the Timeline without being a Hub member?

Yes.  However, only Hub Unlimited members have access to the how-to videos, weekly Q&A, and FAQ vault.  The Hub and the Timeline are designed to be used in unison, as a comprehensive support network for long-term homeschooling.

Which ages does the Timeline cover?

The Timeline begins in Kindergarten and ends in the sixth grade.  The bulk of the lessons are situated between first and fifth grade.  

Can I supplement the Timeline with other types of curriculum (like Waldorf)?

Yes!  Montessori is not a curriculum; it’s an approach to supporting your child’s development at each stage of growth.  Therefore, if your child enjoys Waldorf art activities or would like to explore robotics, you can easily tie those activities into the Montessori experience.

Do I have to pay for upgrades or improvements to the Timeline?

No.  Once you purchase the Timeline, you will receive free Timeline upgrades and improvements.

Can I download and modify the scope & sequence section of the Timeline?

To prevent copyright infringement, the online Timeline cannot be downloaded and modified.  You will receive a printable PDF version of the Timeline that you can print and annotate as needed.  And remember that all lessons are downloadable and printable, so you can make your own customized albums following the sequence of your choice!

Can I download and print the lessons?

Yes, all lessons are downloadable and printable.

Does the Timeline align with my country’s academic standards?

The Timeline is aligned with the Common Core academic standards for the United States.  However, it’s suggested that you check with your country’s (or state’s) particular standards and supplement if necessary. Montessori lesson sequences often dive a lot deeper into concepts than most traditional school systems require.  It’s a good idea to have a checklist of standards and make sure you’re covering them if this is a requirement in your country.  It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that standards are being covered. Mainly Montessori cannot guarantee that every aspect of every academic standard is covered in the Timeline.  

Are the lessons in the Timeline of a secular nature?

All the lessons are approached from a secular perspective. Montessori tends to have a creationist tone to some stories, but this is not due to a religious inclination. These stories are meant to spark the child's imagination, and once they're hooked through the story, then the real scientific work begins. There are a couple of references to Jesus in historical lessons, but only as a reference point in terms of the development of our modern calendar (the terms BC and AD are introduced alongside BCE and CE, for example). But remember that Montessori isn't a curriculum that you have to follow word for word; it's a guide that you can adapt to your culture and time, which is what makes it universal and timeless. 

What payment options do you offer?

The Timeline can be purchased in four installments, or you can pay in full and receive a discount.  To learn about pricing, click on the button below!

GET THE TIMELINE!