Being a Montessori Parent

Encourage Independence

Let your child do things for his or her own self when they show interest. If your child wants to help you cook, take the time to show how to beat the eggs or tear the lettuce. Let your child take care of their body. Encourage getting dressed, brushing teeth, combing hair, and washing hands.

Establish Order

The order of a Montessori classroom can also be echoed at home. This will help your child become more independent. Take time to set up the different rooms in the house so that your child can reach things he or she might need.

-A clean-up bucket is handy if they need to clean up a spill.
-A small pitcher for pouring their own milk or water.
-A stool so they can reach the sink themselves; and so on.

Keep clutter to a minimum

-Rotate toys into storage.
-Use bins or baskets to organize your child's toys and things.
-Make a picture chore chart or routine chart so your child can check and see what to do.

Help children be helpful

Let them help with the chores and have responsibilities.

-set the table
-sort the spoons, forks, and knives
-wash the window
-polish the table
-take dirt clothes to hampers
-match and fold the socks

Let them learn at their own speed.

When they try something at first and get it wrong, don't correct them right away or criticize. Recognize their effort and don't worry so much about the results. Teach by showing them, not just telling.

Develop Concentration

Limit T.V. and computer games to a minimum. Whenever possible, don't interrupt a child when they are engaged or focused on something. Notice sparks of interest in your child and provide opportunities and materials for them to help this happen. i.e. If they like water, let them paint rocks with water of help with the dishes.

Introduce your child to nature

Maria Montessori believed that nature talks directly to children. Go for walks. Take time to notice leaves, seeds, rocks, flowers, observe insects and wildlife.

-Play in the snow
-Collect things
-Plant something and watch it grow

Encourage choice and Interest in Learning

Invite your child to play games or join in an activity. Be ready to stop the activity if your child becomes frustrated and does no want to continue. Try to end on a positive note such as, "We'll do this later when you're ready." It's important to remember if a game is too easy or difficult, a child will not want to play. i.e. a young child may need to be presented 123 instead of 0-9 all at once. When reading with a new reader taking turns reading pages sometimes helps.

Use Encouragement before Rewards or Treats

When you use and external reward to motivate your child, he or she learns that there is no real value to the activity, and the only reason to do it is for the reward. It should have value for it's own sake. Comments such as, "You worked hard on this," or "You did this all by yourself," are the reward they appreciate and learn from.