DR. MARIA MONTESSORI
Many parents ask how they can aid their child at home when they have newly joined a Montessori community or when they transition out. What can you do at home to aid in your child's success and become a true, "Montessori parent?" The child is most successful when the home and school environments are in sync and consistent with one another. Does this mean we expect parents to purchase a full set of Montessori materials for their home? Not at all, we want the environments to mirror one another not become replicas of one another.
A Montessori parent will prepare the environment.
First, let's look at the environment itself. The Montessori classroom is carefully and meticulously prepared by the directress. Everything on the shelf has a purpose and the environment is designed for the youngest child to work in them. As a Montessori parent, we prepare our home environment just the same. Children can access the things they need independently and every room in the house has a space for them. It can be somewhat time consuming to prepare your home and modify as your child grows, but the outcome will be an independent child who feels as though he is a part of the family. Some simple implementations in the home environment include have glasses and a small water pitcher within reach so your son or daughter can get a drink of water independently. Place a small snack basket in the fridge and pantry so that your child can choose and serve a snack when she is hungry. Place healthy items in the respective baskets so you know what they choose you already approve.
A Montessori parent will promote critical thinking.
Next, let's explore the idea of critical thinking. The Montessori classroom allows for communication and problem solving. The child's questions are often met with a question in return. Are you allowing your child to practice thinking or giving them every answer, they request?
As a Montessori parent, we ask questions to help our children think critically and decide for themselves. An example to put this in practice at home could be: When your child tells you there is a tear in her artwork, ask her how she would like to fix the tear, what does she need to fix the tear and where is that at in our home?
A Montessori parent will allow their child to make mistakes.
The Montessori classroom allows children to work without the correction of the adult. They are given the freedom to make mistakes and try again. Are you hovering over your child as he pours milk, practices counting or ties shoes? As a Montessori parent, we allow the child autonomy in many of her actions. We aren’t constantly checking work. We allow them to do their work independently and try again if needed. Asking questions at the end of a job or task can reveal if your son or daughter feels the task or job was done properly.
A Montessori parent will model appropriate behavior.
Another concept to foster at home includes how your children observe and learn from you. Adults in the Montessori classroom model the grace of appropriate behavior. The child can observe the adults speaking kindly, walking gracefully, and continuing with work even if a mistake is made. How do you model this for your child? Do you ask him to speak quietly when you loudly speak yourself? As a Montessori parent, we try to model behaviors we expect our child to mimic. We use kind, encouraging, positive words. We are thoughtful and respectful towards others.
A Montessori parent will foster community and responsibility.
The community and sense of responsibility to the classroom should continue in the home environment. What does your child do to contribute to the household daily? We're sending home incredible bakers. Can they continue to make bread for dinner at home? On the weekend, could they prepare a batch of muffins for snacks throughout the week? Can your son write out the grocery list, arrange flowers, feed the dog or work in the garden?
As your children transition out of the Montessori environment, how do you continue to keep these principles going?
• When they are ready to visit their new school, walk the hallways with them, show them the new classroom, show them the steps needed to get from the door to their classroom. Next, start from the beginning and have your student lead you to the new classroom. Stop and observe...do they have it?
• When your child begins to bring home homework, do you hover over them, check everything, and remind him when the work is due? Or do you allow her to manage all aspects from completion through submittal?
• As your children venture out beyond the Montessori classrooms are they able to resolve conflict in a kind, appropriate way? Are they allowed to speak to their peers and let them know they did not like their behavior or mediate between each other without an adult’s intervention?
All these ideas can easily be taken from the Montessori classroom and applied to the home environment. Implementing them will not only continue to help your child through many phases of development that lie ahead but will also help you become and remain a great Montessori parent!
