18 Aug Applying Montessori Principles at Home

As parents, we invest in our children’s education because we want the very best for their future. Many families are interested in introducing the Montessori philosophy to their children because it values and instills the virtues of independence, confidence, initiative, responsibility, and self-discipline. But how do parents ensure these virtues learned in the Montessori classroom translate into the home environment?

Applying Montessori principles at home isn’t as challenging or daunting of a task as it may seem. By doing so, parents can better promote their child’s personal development while nurturing a healthy and happy home environment for years to come.

Meadow Montessori is a leading Montessori preschool in Richmond, TX, offering early childhood programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners throughout Fort Bend County and the Greater Houston area. If you’re interested in learning more about the Montessori philosophy and education method, contact us today.

Otherwise, let’s explore how you can apply Montessori principles at home to help your child grow and prepare for elementary school, and beyond!

Simplify & Promote Better Concentration

Simplicity is at the heart of any Montessori environment, whether at home or in the classroom. A great way to simplify your child’s home learning environment is to make sure their spaces aren’t cluttered and overloaded with excess items and distractions.

The less toys, the better. Remember: A spacious environment will encourage more physical movement and mental stimulation. Keep wall décor to a minimum. Use shelves, baskets, and containers to store away books, toys, and other learning materials.

In addition to minimizing clutter, consider designating spaces for specific areas — I.E., a chair meant for reading, a desk meant for writing, and a wall dedicated to geography. This helps children to compartmentalize subjects and kick start their concentration when they enter or go around these areas. You can also explore other ways to spark creativity in your home!

Color plays an important role in activating the neurological pathways in the brain, stimulating productivity, and influencing a child’s feelings, behaviors, and attention span. Consider painting your child’s bedroom, playroom, or home classroom in a calming green, a pale blue, or a mood-lifting orange.

Create a Prepared Home Environment

A prepared environment provides optimal space that helps a child grow and develop. The classroom, for example, has a carefully curated collection of materials, lesson plans, and toys for a child’s growth; these all contribute in some way or another to allowing independence while fostering their creativity.

The best way to create a prepared environment at home is to ensure obstacles, like distractions, are minimal. Maintain a steady rotation of objects and learning materials throughout your home. From toys, books, and puzzles to art materials, building blocks, and stuffed animals, keep these items in storage and then re-present them to your child every month or so.
Providing a variety of learning materials, and rotating them in and out, keeps learning fresh and exciting. It also gives your child the opportunity to explore and discover new interests.

In Montessori education, we believe children should have the freedom of choice because it helps them develop the ability to make independent decisions. When a child has the freedom to choose and pursue their interests, the more engrossed they’ll become in their education.

Want to learn more about creating a prepared environment? Discover how a prepared home environment emphasizes freedom, peace, and nature that can take your child’s learning to new heights!

Encourage Activity & Science

Active play allows children to burn off energy while engaging with their environment independently and mindfully. No matter whom or what they’re playing with, play time is always an opportunity for children to practice self-regulation, courtesy, and critical thinking.

Appeal to your child’s interests. If your child is a natural climber, for example, they may be more interested in a balance beam or set of trapeze bars than other structures or objects. Or, if your child enjoys role playing, consider setting up a play kitchen or a play classroom with a chalkboard.

Spending time in nature can also help children stay engaged, develop their critical thinking skills, and nurture their compassion for the world around them. You may not know how to best engage with your child outdoors. Discover outdoor and at-home science activities you can complete together as a family!

Instill Peace & Courtesy at Home

We promote peace and courtesy everyday in the classroom here at Meadow Montessori. However, your child’s peace education starts at home and within the family!

Familial conflicts and disagreements are unavoidable, but they present excellent learning opportunities to practice courtesy, respect, and promote peace. When conflict arises, help your child to see and understand the situation from different points of view by asking open-ended questions. These are questions that can’t necessarily be answered with a “yes” or a “no”. Here are some examples:

• Why are you upset?
• Why do you think so-and-so is upset?
• What do you think the issue is?
• What can you do about it?
• How did your actions affect another person?
• What could you do differently next time?

Montessori philosophy believes parents and teachers should act as observers ‒ but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t offer your assistance, either. In the midst of a conflict or challenge, ask your child, “How can I help?” By doing so, you teach your child that asking for guidance and support is always a healthy choice they can make.

How else can you apply Montessori principles like peace and courtesy at home? Encourage free expression through activities like role playing. You can also create a peaceful and calming environment by practicing yoga, meditation, or using a peace table to have conversations with your child, their friends, or siblings.

Let’s Apply Montessori Principles At Home!

While a child is embarking on their educational journey, don’t neglect the importance of applying Montessori principles at home. Not only will Montessori principles strengthen the family dynamic, but will better aid your child with their development into an independent, responsible, and creative thinker.

Are you interested in learning more about the Montessori philosophy of education? Get in touch with us today. We welcome families in Richmond, TX, and the Greater Houston area to the Meadow Montessori family!