How To Carry Out The Montessori Method At Home: You Will Love It!
The Montessori method is a benchmark in parenting and education. Its purpose is simple as well as challenging: to promote suitable environments that favor the independence and integral development of the child. Believe it or not, we can get it at home too. The experience can be enriching.
Now, there is one aspect that we have to take into account. The Montessori method requires adequate knowledge on the subject as well as adapted materials. The purpose is to ensure that our children reach their maximum potential at home, at school and in any environment, while always respecting their abilities.
Montessori pedagogy is criticized by some and praised by many. This very particular approach always seeks to encourage the children themselves to feel competent. It is not at all about “setting them free.” In reality, relying on the Montessori method requires a lot from us as mothers and as fathers.
We are the guides, the daily architects of each child’s discovery. So, if we decide to carry out these strategies at home, you will realize the great possibilities that you are going to have. We will educate more autonomous, creative and happy children.
Here’s how.
Basic characteristics of the Montessori method
Before describing how we can apply the Montessori method at home, it is worth first detailing the basic lines of pedagogy itself. Let’s first understand what your goals are.
Children’s minds have great potential
- Children learn day by day without realizing it. More stimuli, learning opportunities and experiences more potential.
- Now, we have to bear in mind that each child has their own rhythm and we have to respect it.
- Also, the best way for a child to learn is through joy. If our child feels happy, respected, cared for and safe, he will be ready to “absorb” everything that surrounds him.
Sensitive periods
- Sensitive periods are stages in which children can acquire a skill very easily. They are generally established between 0-3 years, 4-6 and 7 to 9 years.
- These are times when you have a greater chance of learning to walk, speak, relate, be autonomous, etc.
A suitable environment
- The Montessori method requires a very structured environment. It is intended that the materials and spaces favor self-learning, discovery and growth.
- In these spaces there should be opportunities for them to develop social, emotional and intellectual aspects.
The role of the adult
- The role of the adult in Montessori Philosophy is essential: he must guide the child with love, respect and security to introduce him to the environment in a loving way.
- We will be observers, but also “magicians” when it comes to making the child connect with their environment day to day to enhance their physical, emotional and intellectual development.
Strategies for carrying out the Montessori method at home
First of all, something that we must be clear about is the following: the child must feel part of the home and the family. This implies that the little one must have his space in each activity that is done at home.
We know that it can be strange, but to raise independent and capable children, nothing better than giving them responsibilities. So, do not hesitate, include them in all dynamics whenever possible.
We explain how.
Adapted furniture
- The furniture must be adapted to your height. A low shelf will, for example, make you better able to organize your clothes or toys.
- A small table and chair will allow it to be by your side when you are reading or even cooking.
The importance of order and stimuli
A well-structured home with adequate stimuli will help children to integrate information in an appropriate way.
- They must understand that this order must not be broken. That the rooms are taken care of, that the toys are put away. That the clothes go to the closet.
- A home with stimuli is a setting to learn every day. So do not hesitate to have a space with plants where they can plant seeds and watch the flowers grow.
- Let there be a painting corner, a games corner, a corner where you can cook with mom and dad. Without taking risks, let me help you when making a cake, when making a salad …
The most recommended games for the home
- The most suitable games will be those related to practical life. Building, touching, smelling, feeling, manipulating… These are basic tasks that children should experiment with.
- The Montessori method recommends, for example, playing with puppets. It can help them to socialize, to communicate …
The treasure drawer
This proposal is sensational as well as fun. In the living room we will always have our “treasure box” (it can be a wooden or cardboard box)
- Every day we will introduce something new to it so that the child discovers it and interacts with it.
- Always choose objects that are stimulating and with intense colors.
- Avoid introducing plastic objects, wood, fabric will always be better …
- As a suggestion, we indicate that you can put food for children to experience new flavors. If your children are learning to read, put affectionate notes on them to stimulate the reading process.
We are sure that all these suggestions can be of great help in raising your children.
