Tips From Teachers:

Montessori At Home

Often, we hear questions from parents who actively seek out ways to implement Montessori activities at home. We will discuss many routines and practices that will help support your child in both the home and school environment at our upcoming Evening of Montessori. Meanwhile here are some ideas for parents to consider for incorporating Montessori into your home environment. Remember that encouraging your child’s effort, rather than a young learner’s outcome. The practice of acknowledging effort will promote the development of a love of learning and confidence in your child.

Kitchen:

Keep bowls, plates, cups and utensils in a low cabinet so children can prepare their own food as independently as possible. To avoid any pressure about breaking a dish, plastic dishes may be a good solution, or show trust in your child’s ability by allowing them to use your regular dishes. Breakfast cereal can be kept in a small container so children can get their own breakfast. Milk or other liquids can be kept in a small pitcher. The small pitcher ensures not too much of the liquid will be spilled if your child has an accident. If your child does spill, allow them to clean up the spill.

Bedroom:

Keep clothing in dressers your child can open. Encourage your child to make choices in regards to their clothing. Your child can choose their outfit the evening before so a battle of wills does not start off the morning. At MDSC we encourage the freedom of choice and enjoy the mismatched outfit that shows signs of an early learner spreading his or her wings. If your child can brush his or her own hair, we appreciate that style as well.

Keep a change of bed linens in an accessible spot. Encourage your child to strip and remake their bed when needed or appropriate. Then your child can assist in laundering his or her own bed linens.

Bathroom:

Keep your child’s toiletries accessible and kid friendly (nothing too fancy or unusable). Allow your child, as early as possible, to participate in his or her own care of self.

Keep towels low so a child can get and replace their towel independently.

Family Room:

In lieu of a toy box, try setting up activities on shelves. If you have too many toys for this to be feasible, think about putting some away and rotating them. Montessori classrooms don’t typically show every possible material – materials are rotated to keep your child’s interest.

It is perfectly acceptable to expect children to have good manners and control themselves. To that end, and leave out some delicate, but replaceable items. Just because you have children in your home does not mean you can’t also have some of your own beautiful items on display.