How ShillerLearning Uses the Montessori Approach for Homeschooling

ShillerLearning applies Montessori philosophy to home-based math and language arts by combining hands-on manipulatives, scripted parent lessons, and self-paced diagnostic placement. It is designed for families who want Montessori-style learning without a full classroom setup, covering ages 3–13 across preschool, elementary, and middle school levels.

The Montessori Foundation

ShillerLearning describes its curricula as "Montessori at Home" and states that its kits and activity packs are built on the Montessori philosophy and use manipulatives. The stated goal is to "nurture curiosity, creativity, and independence" — the same developmental aims that guide Montessori classrooms.

The practical translation for a homeschool parent is that children work with physical materials rather than worksheets alone, and the parent's role is to present a lesson and then step back.

What Makes It Workable at Home

Scripted Lessons

The site describes its lessons as "scripted," meaning the parent reads prepared wording rather than improvising a presentation. This lowers the preparation barrier for parents without Montessori training.

Multisensory Materials

The curriculum is described as a "multisensory approach." The manipulatives listed on the site include:

These are the same categories of material used in Montessori classrooms — geometric solids, movable alphabets, metal insets for handwriting — scaled for a single household rather than a classroom of 25.

Diagnostic Testing and Special Needs Support

The site states that diagnostic testing and special needs support are available. In practice, this means placement is determined by a child's current level rather than by grade, which matches Montessori's mixed-age, ability-based progression.

Subject Coverage

ShillerLearning covers two core areas:

• Math — Math Kit I includes basic manipulatives, guides, and encouragement materials.
• Language Arts — Language Arts Kit A includes manipulatives, guides, and encouragement materials.

The site organizes shopping by level: Preschool (Ages 3+), Pre-K, Elementary, and Middle School.

Who This Fits

ShillerLearning suits parents who want Montessori structure but need explicit instructions to deliver it. The scripted format and diagnostic placement reduce the guesswork. Families who already have Montessori training, or who prefer to build their own sequence from raw materials, may find the scripting unnecessary.

For parents new to homeschooling, the site offers a "New to homeschooling?" entry point; for those already homeschooling, a separate path; and for teachers or education partners, a third. A phone line (203-210-5208) is listed for speaking with a ShillerLearning homeschool expert.

Getting Started

1. Identify your child's level using the site's diagnostic testing rather than age alone.
2. Choose the corresponding kit — Math Kit I or Language Arts Kit A as entry points.
3. Set up a workspace with the included work mat and manipulatives.
4. Follow the scripted lessons, allowing the child to handle materials independently.
5. Use the answer guides (available as PDFs, e.g., Math Answer Guide 1 PDF at $29.95 USD) to check work.

Prices shown are as listed on the site at the time of writing and may change.