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I am the full-time mother of a four-year-old son, Mace, who attends Penn-Mont Academy preschool and a two-year-old son, Colter, who has not yet entered a Montessori classroom.

It was exciting to have the opportunity to use the Montessori Home Reading Advantage.

I was immediately impressed with the attractive, organized boxes containing sturdy, well-made materials. The video and Parent Guide complimented each other in a way conducive to helping me use the Reading Advantage materials with confidence and full understanding of the purpose of each level. I found the book and video easy and enjoyable to follow and presented in a concise format.

The Tip from the Teachers section provided valuable insight and the bold-lettered quotes featured through out the book and video facilitated my comprehension of Montessori philosophy in relation to this home based program.

I first began to utilize the Reading Advantage program with my two-year-old. After I had prepared a peaceful environment, Colter was instantly drawn to the Montessori mat and the Level One insects. I moved through the Three-Step Game with ease and my son was so responsive to the specific language that was suggested for parents to use when presenting the materials. As the days went by and we continued on our learning adventures, I loved to see the joy on his face when I said, "let's get out the mat!"

One afternoon, Colter and I got out the mat when Mace was home from Preschool. Mace immediately came over to sit beside his brother and watched me with great interest. He enjoyed participating with his brother in the Three-Step Game and Matching activities. He delighted in showing me the skills he has been learning at Penn-Mont Academy. Mace even has been taking on the teacher role using the exact sentences the parent is to use. Colter is equally responsive to me and his brother in the position of providing learning facilitation to the Reading Advantage materials and activities.

Today, I feel more connected and involved with Mace's Montessori education. I have attended parent education nights, conferences and read Montessori-based books, but I have developed a much deeper understanding of the Montessori methods used to foster a child's love of learning through this home based program.

In addition, it is wonderful to have such fun and educational activities that we can share together as a family. I realize that the program is designed for families whose children are not exposed to a Montessori education. However, if the parent is sensitive to the child's interest and current level. I feel that the Montessori Home Reading Advantage can provide rewarding and positive experiences for everyone. Also, I feel that this program can provide the foundation for a natural transition into a Montessori preschool.

Thank you for developing such a great Montessori-based home program for families to use! There's a family in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania with some happy experiences and we are looking forward to many more to come!
Sincerely,
JenniferRussell-Long