7 Tips to Using Montessori at Home
Montessori includes empowering children to make their own decisions as they develop. This method encourages a love of learning, and it teaches the child real-world skills.
In addition to children being taught the Montessori method at school, you can implement the Montessori method at home. And thus, the following includes seven tips of using Montessori at home:
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Making sure enriching toys are within reach
One way to do this is by setting up the child’s space with toy boxes and drawers at a height that the child can reach. You should also pick closets, boxes, and other storage devices that your child can open by itself. Afterward, stock enriching toys, like puzzles, books, and crafts, on them. If needed, step stools can be placed near areas where the child struggle to reach different toys. Also, you must ensure that toys within reach would be safe for the child’s age range.
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Providing access to healthy drink and food options
When it comes to Montessori schools, children are allowed to develop their own tastes. In the kitchen, the child must have access to the refrigerator and the cabinet with drinks and snacks in them. These areas should be stocked with nutritional choices, such as veggies, fruit, nuts, whole grains, and water. And if your child is at an age where he/she can pour, cups and small, pourable containers should be stocked in the fridge so he or she can serve themselves.
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Produce a strict system of organization
Kids will thrive in an organized surrounding. Clothing and toys, for instance, must have their own specific spot in the home. Encourage them to place items back in their appropriate areas when the children are done utilizing them. For instance, there should be a small bookshelf where the child can store puzzles and another shelf for storing books.
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At the end of the day, allow ten minutes for a tidying
Children of every age can help with cleaning to maintain the organization system that you created for the Montessori at home. Small children can perform basic tasks, such as placing toys in the bins where they belong. You should also spend ten minutes on cleaning before bedtime. Also, ensure the child see cleaning in a positive light than seeing it as a chore.
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Assist children in creating their own schedule in studying
Encourage enthusiasm of learning. Keep materials, like paper and pencils, for your child’s schoolwork in an area they can get to easily. Every day, sit down and make a to-do list with your child. The child should set his/her own schedule to complete the work. You also must encourage them to make smart choices. For instance, you should ask the child when he/she will have the energy to perform quality work.
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Encourage movement
It may seem minor, but movement is vital to learning just like basic health is. Encouraging the child to play outside and to move around when taking study breaks to do things like playing catch, running around, and engaging in other activities requiring physical exertion. You should also try to sign your child up for activities that include movement. It can be signing them up for dance class, for instance, if the child likes to dance at home.
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When it comes to addressing mistakes, model positive behavior
Children learn behavior by watching grownups. Instead of simply being lectured, children can learn through observation. So, show them how to do a task correctly, instead of correcting the child when a mistake is made.
Applying these Montessori tips at home will help your child’s development significantly. So, take full advantage of these tools today.
Learn more:
Research Supports Montessori Teaching
Benefits of Multi-Age Classroom Environments
Executive Director at American Montessori Campus
I have a life long passion of teaching kids. I received my Montessori certification in 1996 from American Montessori Society. We started AMC in 2007 and have grown to be the premier Montessori in Plano, Texas.