GIVEAWAY: Montessori Training & Curriculum

I've never done a giveaway before, but I have the opportunity give one of my readers a very valuable gift. I love to give people free stuff! So, here goes. 

WHAT YOU WILL WIN
A free spot in the next training course through World Wide Montessori Online, which starts in September. Along with the training, you will receive 12 albums of curriculum materials (over 5,000 pages of materials)...a $240 value.  This course is designed for educators, homeschoolers, or parents who are interested in learning more about Montessori methods.  

HOW TO ENTER
There are five ways to enter. Do any (or all) of the following:

1. Like Raccoon School on Facebook
2. Subscribe to Raccoon School via email 
3. Like Healthy Green and Frugal on Facebook
4. Subsribe to Healthy, Green and Frugal via email
5. Share this post on your Facebook page.

Then come back here and leave a comment (with your email address) telling me what you did. If you are already doing any of these things, be sure to say so in your comment. You will receive one entry for each way that you are following one of my two blogs, Raccoon School and Healthy, Green and Frugal. So, you could get as many as five chances to win!

I will randomly choose a winner on August 5, 2011. I will contact the winner directly via email. If I do not receive confirmation from that winner within 48 hours, I will randomly-choose another winner. Once I receive email confirmation, I will post the winner's name here. 

MY EXPERIENCE WITH WORLD WIDE MONTESSORI
This time last year I enrolled in an online training course through World Wide Montessori Online. I had recently come to the decision to homeschool. Although I was a certified public school teacher with a master's degree in elementary education, I wanted to know more about Montessori teaching methods.

I was struggling to learn as much as I could on my own. My homeschooler friend from Sunrise Learning Lab, who has a professional background in Montessori education, suggested I consider World Wide Montessori Online.

A year into my training, I'm so glad I enrolled. Although I'm far from being a full-fledged Montessori homeschooler, the knowledge I've gained from this course has revolutionized my approach to teaching and parenting.

I wasn't looking for an official Montessori certification. I just wanted help implementing Montessori methods at home. That's exactly what the course offers.  Here's what I like about the course:

• It's very laid back. You can do as much (or as little) as you like. All the materials and lectures are presented online, so there's no set time-frames that must be followed. You can give your attention to it when it's a good time for you.
• You get a lot of curriculum materials. You get them all electronically, so you will have to decide whether you want to invest the time and resources into printing all out. Alternatively, you can just view them on your computer and print out materials as needed.
• Direct instruction for me (not just the kids).  The course provides lots of detailed information about the philosophies behind Montessori, and how to implement it.
• Support from a Montessori-trained professional. You have easy access to the woman behind the course, Karen Tyler, AMS. She's always been very helpful to me when I have questions.
• An international learning community. One of my favorite parts of the class is the opportunity to connect with fellow students from around the world. I would say most of the students are homeschoolers, and a number of them have children with sensory issues. 

Let me know if you have any questions about the training or the giveaway. Good luck!!!