Montessori in the Home

The following are some simple, everyday suggestions for Montessori in the home that encourage independence, self-confidence, reasonable freedom of choice, orderliness, and responsibility.

1. Whenever demonstrating a task to your child, first perform the actions very carefully yourself. Show him/her step-by-step, using as few words as possible.
2. Respect and observe your child. An inner guide is directing him/her. Anticipate and aid him/her.
3. Introduce the rules and limits of the household gradually. Be consistent and remember your example is the best teacher. The child is observing you in his/her entire being.
4. Arrange bathroom facilities for the child - a small stool to reach the sink with his/her own washcloth, towel, hairbrush, toothbrush, clothes basket, etc. in an assigned place.
5. Make a container of milk, juice, or water available on a low shelf in the refrigerator, and make accessible a cup or glass for all of those, “I want something to drink” requests. Simply say, “you may get it yourself”.
6. Provide a small pitcher or measuring cup for mealtime for the child to serve himself and later, others.
7. Invite the child to help you make his/her bed. You may also ask them to help you dust, sweep, care for pets, sort laundry according to dark and light, washing, etc.
8. Create the possibility of order for the child’s toys and belongings. You should have just enough available so that each item will have its own place on the shelf. Display only toys and materials the child can handle and work with successfully (i.e. scissors, old magazines, paste, crayons, paper, matching games, puzzles, books, and a variety of toys adapted to your child’s level).
9. Show the child how to clean up after working with something and how to return it to its appropriate place. Be firm that this must be done before he/she can begin another activity.
10. Set aside an area of the yard so the child can really garden, hoe, rake, plant, and water.
11. Reflect on a typical day: were the majority of your encounters with your child of a negative or restraining nature? Build up a positive relationship between you and your child - play games occasionally. Give him/her your total attention, if only for a few moments. Matching games, which stimulate sensory perception, are easily invented and prepared. Example: Present him with a color; then ask him to show you objects of the same color in the room. Show her a piece of wood, glass, or plastic, and ask her to find an object of the same material.
12. Observe your child and watch for times when he’/she is particularly interested in color, shape, textures, and numbers.
13. When your schedule allows for a non-rushed trip to the grocery store, your child can benefit from this. On this occasion, let him walk instead of ride through the aisles with you. “Oranges, we need six - 1,2,3,4,5,6”. Point out the names of the items, examine them gently, count them, weigh them, etc.
14. An excursion to the zoo - the entire area need not be covered in one visit. Follow your child and occasionally give him/her an example of what observing really is. Sit or stand and watch a particular cage or family of animals for some time. Do not simply rush past everything with him/her in hand.