Discover Montessori: Home.

“To assist a child we must provide him with an environment which will enable him to develop freely.” – Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori was a feminist, a pioneer, a physician and an educator. She observed that children absorbed knowledge through their surroundings, essentially teaching themselves. Her child-centered approach to education is called the Montessori method.

Here’s a look at how to create a more Montessori-aligned home.

Promote a sense of order

Get organized! An ordered environment has fewer distractions. Items (toys, activities, works) should be minimal, and every item needs its own place in the space. Preferably this space is a low, open shelf your child can easily access.

Rotate choices

Observe your child at work. When they are no longer interested in an item, put it away. Replace that item with a new work, toy or activity. 

Nurture independence

Grow your child’s self-esteem. Furniture (beds, shelves) should be child-sized and their belongings (clothing, shoes, personal care items) should be accessible to them so that your child is an engaged participant in their daily activities.  

Nurture inner motivation

Acknowledge your child’s effort and dedication in completing a task rather than focusing on the outcome of the work. Instead of saying “good job” try “how does it feel to finish?”. Show encouragement and appreciation but instead of telling your child YOU love her artwork, ask her “do YOU love it?”. It matters what your child thinks of herself and her efforts, not what you think. Pride and pleasure in one’s own work has lasting positive effects in life. 

Practice real-life skills

Practical Life is an important part of your home environment. Many of these activities sound like common day “chores.” Including your child in the upkeep of your home teaches them they are an integral part of your family; indirectly these skills develop coordination, concentration, independence and a sense of order.

Be a model

How do you want your child to act and treat their environment? That’s the way you need to show them to act. Are you calm? Energetic? Do you toss items around playfully? Do you slam doors? Do you throw items into the trash can from across the room? Or yell from across the house? None of these actions are wrong! But your child is always watching you and wants to be just like you. Be sure you’re practicing behavior you want them to copy.