Frequently Asked Questions

We believe that Montessori shouldn’t complicate your life as a parent, caregiver, or educator — it should simplify it. We also believe that children learn the most from the adults in their life. Montessori By Mom was created to make Montessori simple, accessible, and easy for parents and caregivers.

General

What makes Montessori education different?

Montessori education is a child-led, hands-on approach to early education pioneered by Maria Montessori, an Italian educator. Montessori education fosters a child’s natural love of learning, encourages the development of practical life skills, and above all, allows the child to grow at their own unique pace, holding personal autonomy in high regard.

Ages & Multiple Kids

What is the age recommendation for the Toolboxes?

We design our Toolboxes with children ages 3-6 in mind. However, children older than 6 can still learn plenty from the Toolboxes. Even if a child has mastered a Toolbox, many children like to revisit the Toolboxes to explore them in new ways or use the materials to teach a friend or sibling. Additionally, every child grows and learns at their own unique pace. What one child will be ready for at 6 may not be appropriate for another child until closer to 8. There is no right or wrong pace!

I have 2+ kids in the 3 to 6 age range. Will one Toolbox be enough?

It depends on your family! For some families, one Toolbox may be enough. Other families prefer to have one Toolbox for each child so children can complete activities simultaneously (since, as you know, children often like to work on what their siblings are working on.) We are looking into ways to offer a multi-box discount, but this is not currently available.

Can older children help with the activities?

Absolutely! Just like in a Montessori classroom, in which older children help younger children with their work, older children can help their siblings with our activities. This is a great way for older children to continue learning from our Toolboxes even when they’ve mastered the basic activities.

Subscription

Can I use Montessori By Mom Toolboxes without Montessori training?

TOTALLY, because our experts have done all the preparation for you! We’ve designed our Toolboxes so any parent, teacher, or caregiver can use them with ease, regardless of their experience with or knowledge of Montessori. Each Toolbox comes with guides and online videos to concisely explain everything you need to know. Montessori By Mom is “Montessori Made Easy”!

Do your Toolboxes include a curriculum?

While our Toolboxes contain authentic Montessori materials, detailed guides, and online explanation videos, they do not include a formal, written curriculum. As many Montessori homeschool parents will tell you, a fixed curriculum isn’t a necessity for Montessori at home or Montessori homeschool.

How does the order of Toolboxes work?

The order varies based on our suppliers and our subscriber base. We use an algorithm that helps us send the Toolbox that the fewest number of our subscribers have already received. If you have already received the Toolbox of the month, we will ensure you get a new Toolbox until you’ve received them all.

Do I need to follow a set schedule?

Not at all! We’ve designed each Toolbox to stand on its own, and you can introduce each Toolbox as soon as you receive it. Additionally, our Toolboxes are versatile enough that they’re well-suited for our youngest subscribers as well as our oldest ones. Each Toolbox has basic activity ideas for younger children and more advanced activity options for older children. This means that as your child grows and gains new skills, they can rediscover each Toolbox!

We’ve received all of the Toolboxes. What now?

We’re so grateful for your support! You now own authentic Montessori materials that cover a wide range of subjects and skills. We hope your child can continue to rediscover their Toolboxes as they grow and as their skills progress.

I plan my homeschool lessons in advance. Is there a way I can know the order of Toolboxes that will arrive?

Our customer service advocates are always available to help answer any questions you may have about your upcoming shipment. You may reach them at [email protected]

Do you have supplemental material and book recommendations for each Toolbox?

We do not currently have supplemental material and book recommendations available. However, we are actively working on these recommendations and can’t wait to share them with you!

What if I need replacement items at a later date?

We’ve got you covered! You can always purchase replacement items in our Store. Don’t see the replacement item in the store? Reach out to our customer advocate team at [email protected]

What is the Unconditional Guarantee?

Our customers love their Toolboxes and we know you will, too!

That’s why we offer a 14-Day Unconditional Money Back Guarantee.

If you’re not happy with your first box, we’re happy to give you a full refund, no questions asked. You have nothing to lose!

Acivities

Who designs these activities? What level of expertise am I getting?

Our activities are designed by Montessori By Mom Owner Teresa Hadsall. Teresa taught preschool for more than 6 years and received her AMS Montessori teaching credential from the Montessori Teacher Education Center in Sunnyvale, California.

I’m waiting for my first Toolbox. What can I do in the meantime?

We’re so excited for you! You can start by exploring the online resources for your Toolbox.

To find the online resources for each Toolbox, click the “Members” tab on MontessoriByMom.com. Make sure you are logged in, and then click “My Resources.” There, you will see the resources for each Toolbox you have received through our subscription or Store.

We also have many Montessori articles that you can explore on our Blog and join our Montessori Made Easy Facebook group.

How long does it take children to work through each Toolbox?

We design our Toolboxes to be enjoyed time and time again. The materials are open-ended enough that children can work with Toolboxes over the course of many months (and even years!) The possibilities are endless with every Toolbox! For materials that may need refills, such as our Color Dye Tablets, we offer refills at a minimal cost in our Store.

Customer Support

Do you provide Montessori support? What if I have questions?

We’re here to help you every step of the way. You can always reach out for support on our Montessori Made Easy Facebook group. There, you can receive advice and support from certified Montessori educators and Montessori parents from all over the world. In addition, you can always reach out to us at [email protected].

Where do I find the online resources?

You can find additional online resources on our blog

Shipping

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! However, international shipping does come with an additional fee that will be added at checkout.

Did we answer your questions?

If not, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]