Use Child-Friendly Furniture
Creating a child-friendly
space allows your child to be responsible. Promoting accessibility,
age-appropriate furniture and storage areas will create an order to your
child's room and other areas of the home.- Low
shelving, drawers, and closet rods with child size hangers provides the
perfect opportunity for your child to put away clothes.
- Low
shelves with storage baskets for toys, educational materials, trays, and
other essentials promote cleanliness in your child’s bedroom or play area.
- Use small
chairs and a table. Encourage your child to sit the trays or baskets on
the table for play. When finished, remind your child to place items back
in the proper space. After some time, the ritual will be part of the daily
routine.
- Use step
stools with one or two steps in the bathroom area. By using the steps,
your child may use the sink for handwashing.
- In the
kitchen, place healthy snacks, waters, and juices at your child’s level.
Promote Independence
Allow your child plenty of
time to accomplish different tasks without interruption. After completing the
task, your child will gain a sense of independence, accomplishment, and
confidence. As time progresses, the completion of basic tasks will enhance
further learning.
Teach Basic Skills
In the Montessori learning environment, children learn basic life skills. Implementing organization
techniques, assisting younger children, and participating in everyday cleaning
rituals are part of the daily routine. At home, use the learning techniques to
help build your child’s self-esteem and confidence- Allow your
child to wash up prior to a meal or snack.
- Encourage
your child to put away clothes, toys, and other materials after use.
- Allow your
child to wash off the table before and after use.
- Place
dishes in the sink.
- Help with
basic household chores.
- Encourage
your child to discard items in the proper place. Discarding trash and
recyclable materials into proper bins provides your child a sense of
accomplishment.
Incorporate Nature
Montessori teaching believes
nature plays a major role in learning. Spending time outdoors promotes
curiosity, imagination, and desire to learn about the immediate surroundings.
When at home, create a nature space.- Set up
different nature items for exploration.
- Go for
walks.
- Allow your
child to explore the outdoors without interruption.
- Provide
nature books.
- Plant
flowers.
- Search for
nature materials including acorns and rocks.
Incorporating different aspects of the Montessori Method at home provides your child with a chance to learn and explore. The small changes in your child’s environment provide a larger impact. As your child learns, a basic foundation develops for further exploration.
At our private elementary school in Pleasanton, CA, Montessori School of Pleasanton works with its parents to incorporate the Montessori Method at home, in order to supplement the learning environment their child is experiencing at school. Contact us today to see our elementary school students working together as they learn through exploration and hands-on activities.
