HOW TO BE A MONTESSORI PARENT
Prioritise Independence and Freedom of Choice
Montessori education places paramount importance on cultivating independence in children. Encourage your child to develop self-help skills, such as dressing themselves or tidying up after playtime. Create child-friendly spaces within your home where they can autonomously access toys, books, and materials. Granting them freedom of choice within reasonable boundaries empowers your child to make decisions and nurtures their self-assurance.
Craft a Thoughtfully Prepared Environment
Creating a meticulously prepared environment stands as a fundamental tenet of Montessori education. Arrange your home to facilitate your child’s exploration and interaction with their surroundings effortlessly. Utilize low shelves to showcase toys and materials within their easy reach. Dedicate specific areas for artistic endeavours, ensuring that everything remains readily accessible. A tidy and well-organized setting allows children to develop a sense of order and concentration.
Champion Hands-On Learning
Montessori education places a premium on hands-on learning experiences. Provide your child with open-ended toys and materials that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and creativity. Opt for natural materials like wood, fabric, and metal over their plastic counterparts. Engage your child in practical activities such as pouring, sorting, and folding, which foster fine motor skills, concentration, and a profound sense of accomplishment.
According to Montessori Academy’s trainer and culture specialist, Zac Zacchar: “Steer clear of toys that ‘perform’ for children; those that produce sounds and play music. Such toys entertain children and promote passive involvement, rather than hands-on learning activities that demand active engagement.”
Follow Your Child’s Passions
Montessori education thrives on following a child’s innate interests and passions. Observe your child’s natural inclinations and provide materials and activities that align with their enthusiasm. This approach cultivates intrinsic motivation and a genuine love for learning. Support their curiosity by exposing them to a variety of subjects, books, and experiences, permitting them to explore and delve deeper into the subjects that captivate them.
Champion Order and Routine
Children thrive in an environment characterized by structure and predictability. Establish consistent daily routines, including regular meal times, nap times, and bedtimes. Teach your child the significance of tidying up after play and returning materials to their designated places. When age-appropriate, integrate them into the family routine by involving them in tasks such as setting and clearing the table during meals. Consistency and order foster a sense of security and enable children to concentrate on their activities and learning.
Conclusion
Becoming a Montessori parent entails embracing the principles of the Montessori early learning methods to create a nurturing environment for your child’s growth. By prioritising independence, crafting a well-prepared environment, promoting hands-on learning, following your child’s passions, and establishing order and routine, you can lay a robust foundation for their development. Embrace the journey of becoming a Montessori parent and witness the joy and growth that unfolds as your child explores their world with curiosity, autonomy, a genuine love for learning, and a profound sense of belonging.
