Foster
Independence
Montessori programs encourage
independence. Children choose their projects, work, and clean up independently.If your child is used to instruction in preschool or at home, you can help him prepare by encouraging independence at home as much as possible. Here are a few ways to encourage independence:
- Easy
& Accessible - Keep shelves and bits at child
height and have step stools to make things like bathroom sinks and
kitchens accessible.
- Self
Sufficiency - Encourage your child to do
things for themselves, from getting dressed in the morning to getting
ready for bed at night.
- Big
Helper - Ask your child for help with
things such as cooking and cleaning. This teaches them valuable skills and
provides a sense of ownership over their world.
Encourage
Motor Skills
The emphasis on independence
in the Montessori classroom also promotes strong motor skills. Through drawing,
writing, cooking, and cleaning, children have a chance to practice their fine
motor skills.Here are a couple of suggestions to help your child practice their fine motor skills:
- Cooking
and Serving - Cooking and self serving foods
offers another opportunity to practice fine motor skills such as spooning,
pouring, and stirring.
- Tracing,
writing, drawing, and coloring - Drawing,
coloring and tracing promote creativity and fine motor skills.
Set
Up a Work Area at Home
A crucial part of the
Montessori program is the prepared work environment, where children have
everything they need to explore, create, and learn. You can set up a similar
area at home.Your child's work area can be anything from a corner of the bedroom to a designated craft room, but should include:
- A
child-sized table and chairs.
- A rug for
working on the floor and spreading out.
- Supplies
such as pencils, crayons, paints, lined and unlined paper, and scissors.
Follow
the Child
One of the most fundamental principles of Montessori is that the lessons plans "follow the
child." This means that kids learn by choosing their own projects and
exploring their interests, under the guidance of the teacher. This principle of
choice encourages a love of learning.Here are a few ways that you can "follow the child" at home too.
- Give
your child plenty of unstructured time -
Avoid the temptation to over schedule your child. Instead, allow him
plenty of time to create and learn in his work area.
- Explore
the world together - Take trips together to parks,
zoos, museums, and anything else that captures your child's interest.
Changing to a Montessori program can be an adjustment, but by making a few easy changes in your home, you can smooth the transition for your preschooler. The Montessori School of Flagstaff Sunnyside Campus works with parents and guardians to ensure the transition is a smooth one for everyone involved. For more information on how Montessori's emphasis on independent learning can benefit your child, contact us today and request a tour of our school.
