“Child of the Redwoods” is a Montessori homeschool curriculum with added community, founded in 2017, with the aim to help parents feel confident in homeschooling, and bringing the Montessori method into the home. Co-founders Aubrey and David Hargis state their vision as
“…to help all parents and caregivers, regardless of background, income, or geographical location, bring Montessori to life in their homes. To give your child this gift, you do not need to buy every single material. What you do need is a willingness to learn, to observe your child’s unique needs, and to have access to a solid curriculum and a supportive community to guide you along the way. Promise!”
This is an empowering curriculum, in that they provide so much support to make sure you have all you need to homeschool your children. A foundational course is provided for you to do at your convenience. They want you to feel confident and qualified. Most homeschool parents do not have the time, attention, or resources to take a full Montessori certification program for classroom teachers. You don’t need to! Teaching Montessori in a classroom is simply different from homeschooling your own child. What Child of the Redwoods helps their members to do is to start learning the real authentic method as they play with their child and learn and grow together.
In fact, their unique features make the full Montessori method MUCH more accessible for busy parents.
Key Features of Child of the Redwoods
- This is a holistic curriculum, designed with your children’s strengths and individuality in mind. It is not a traditional workbook style curriculum.
- It is a secular curriculum, respecting and valuing the different faith traditions
- How it works is easy. You get the theme for the month, then add the foundational lessons. All teaching materials are provided for you, with illustrations as needed.
- Planning cards. These are provided for you and are a great way to plan out your week without feeling overwhelmed.
- Child of the Redwood is clearly laid out, with all you need at your fingertips.
Pros of Child of the Redwoods
- Foundations of Montessori course as part of your membership
- A vibrant community where you can ask questions, post what you are doing, find inspiration from others, and learn from Aubrey and David
- Designed to be multi-age
- Every lesson comes with a list of materials and shows you how to teach the different components. These step by step instructions are very clear. It takes the guesswork out of it for you.
- It is very hands on and interactive
- Thematic learning and each theme incorporates reading, writing and math
- You can get a sneak peak of a theme, but you can also do a 7 day free trial to see if it is the right fit for you
- Low cost – designed to use much of what you might find at home
- You can mix and match lessons. You don’t have to do the theme of each month.
- Coaching! Need help? You can get coaching from Aubrey herself.
Cons of Child of the Redwoods
- Only goes up to age 9. You would then need to find a different curriculum for your children.
- It is definitely parent led, so you will need to invest a lot of time into the prep and leading of the lessons. This is not a curriculum for parents who want to be hands off. You also need to be engaged to ensure deep learning.
- You will need to have a printer, or the ability to print materials, as this is a downloadable curriculum and nothing is sent to you in physical form.
Cost of Child of the Redwoods
Theme of the month is $25 a month and you can get a free trial. You can cancel anytime.
Complete Curriculum is $37 a month on an installment plan.
Unlimited, which adds the coaching component, is $49 a month with the installment plan.
Other thoughts and my opinions
- Some reviewers express concerns about potential gaps in certain subject areas, and think you need to supplement. I don’t see this, especially if you are consistent with each part of the curriculum. It can feel like there are gaps if you are using a thematic approach, but there really are not.
- The curriculum is flexible, in that you don’t have to follow the theme of the month. You could draw from the catalog they have online.
- Not everyone likes this style of learning, and that is ok. That is why we have different curricula. You need to be invested in the Montessori ideology in order to make this work best for your family.
- I love thematic learning, so this appeals to me. When you use the theme with the foundations, it is a well-rounded curriculum. The planning cards make it great to stay on top of what you need to do.
If you are looking for a Montessori curriculum that provides the structure and support you need, then this is for you! Check out ChildofTheRedwoods.com
Check out other curriculum reviews like:
Blossom and Root
Torchlight
