Our Montessori Backstory, Part Two

Part Two in our continuing series...

I hemmed and hawed and prayed and wrung my hands before finally picking up the phone and calling a friend who had a preschool-aged child but no preschool plans that I knew of. I explained that although we loved our daughter's school and teachers, there were some aspects of it that we weren't thrilled with, and that I was considering starting a home-based Montessori preschool. Imagine my delighted surprise when, before I could even get out the persuasive script I had written in my head, she said, "I'm in."

"REALLY?!" I said.

I couldn't believe it. I made a similar call to another friend, and again I was pleasantly surprised when she loved the idea. She said she would discuss it with her husband and get back to me, and then I didn't hear from her for about a week. I started second-guessing myself, thinking that this was a dumb idea and that I should just forget about it and re-enroll our daughter in school when my friend called and said she was in, too.

"REALLY?" I said.

And then things got really interesting. My first friend reminded me that (in her previous life, pre-kids) she had been a kindergarten teacher and could lead circle time. My second friend reminded me that (in her previous life, pre-kids) she had been a band teacher and could teach music lessons. So that just left me to lead the Montessori lessons.

How hard could it be? I thought. My husband's attitude was, "They're preschoolers - all you have to do is stay one step ahead of them." We ordered a full classroom of Montessori materials, and a week later, a deliveryman left 379 pounds of stuff in our living room. Let the hyperventilating begin!

Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion of "Our Montessori Backstory"...