This is a sponsored guest post on behalf of Omni Montessori.
Encouraging order, independence, and self-motivation are fundamental to the Montessori approach. Read on to find tips from Omni Montessori which share some basic ways you can bring Montessori principles in the home.
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Maria Montessori believed that if a child could do something for himself – he should. This philosophy instills self reliance and an independent nature in the young child. This can be achieved not only in a Montessori classroom but in the home environment as well. Encourage your child to take care of himself and to be an active contributor to the family when he shows an interest.
Remember, young children naturally have a strong sense of order. An orderly home environment will help the child concentrate and focus. As you introduce a new task to your child keep in mind to repeat the lesson calmly and at a comfortable pace. As the child tries something for the first time, wait to correct or criticize – see if he can figure it out. If not, repeat the lesson at a later time with an emphasis on the point he missed.
Here are some tips for bringing the Montessori in your family home:
The Child’s Bedroom
– Let your child make some decisions about the arrangement of his room and be sure that the room reflects his or her individuality and interests. Be certain that upon reaching three or four years of age your child does not have a room, which still reflects infancy.
– Low lights that can easily be turned on and off by a child
– A low, easy to open dresser
– A low bed which can be easily made by the child (a mattress on the floor with a sleeping bag or
light cover fits this requirement)
– Easy to reach hangers for clothing
– A laundry basket or hamper for dirty clothing
– Toy shelves, which can hold the items the child is most interested in. Shelves are far better than
a toy box or bin because the child can easily see the toys, feel secure in an orderly environment,
and can easily put toys away (Order is not possible in a toy box)
– A desk or table with chair suited to the child’s size
– Living plants for which the child cares
– Book shelves with books that reflect the child’s interests, current reading level, or slightly above
(Rotate the books regularly and do not crowd the shelf)
– A special painting or picture, hung at the child’s eye level
– A bulletin board at the child’s level (Allow the child to choose art work or pictures and change
as they desire)
The Living Room – Family Room
– A small comfortable chair near a good light and window
– Books and magazines in a special holder
– A child’s music player
– A picture book displayed on a holder for a very young child
– Beautiful, interesting objects in the environment that the child can safely handle
The Bathroom
– Mirror at child’s level
– Stool so the child can easily reach the sink
– Towel, towel rack, washcloth, toothbrush, comb, and cup within reach
– A “setup” for the child to clean the sink and bathtub
– Color coded towels and toothbrushes etc… for each child
Kitchen
– Place the dishes your child needs to set the table at a low level
– Put milk, juice, water, in small pitchers on a low shelf in the refrigerator
– A low drawer that contains any materials the child needs for participating actively in the care of
the home environment
– Supplies such as sponges, child-sized mop and bucket at the child’s level so he or she can clean
up his or her own spills
– Child’s own chair at the table
– A stool to use when cooking or helping prepare food
Near the Door
– Low hooks for the child’s coat
– Specific places to put boots, hats, mittens, book bags or backpacks etc…
– A doormat to encourage cleaning off shoes
About Omni Montessori
For over 30 years, Omni Montessori School has nurtured children to grow into students with a love for learning and deep respect for life. Our school is knit together with experienced faculty and involved parents creating an engaged and active community dedicated to Montessori principles.
Omni Montessori School is tucked away on seven acres of a lovely wooded environment in the heart of South Charlotte and on 13 acres of a working farm in Waxhaw. Both settings call our children from ages three to grade nine into nature for exploration in every season. For more information, please conact Lorraine Clark, Director of Admissions, here.
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