Montessori Method: How To Use It At Home

The Montessori method is the gold standard when it comes to parenting and learning. The Montessori method has a goal that is both simple and challenging: to create favorable environments that promote independence and balanced development in children.

Believe it or not, this is something you can do at home. The experience will no doubt be enriching. But there are some things you need to consider before applying the Montessori method at home.

You must have knowledge of the method as well as special materials. This helps ensure that your children can reach their full potential at home, at school and in any environment.

Montessori pedagogy has been criticized by some people and praised by others. This unique approach seeks to encourage children to feel competent. It is definitely not about letting them do what they want. In fact, Montessori-based parenting is extremely demanding for parents. 

The parents are tutors under the Montessori method; they are the everyday architects of their child’s discoveries. If you decide to use this strategy at home, you will realize how much potential it has. You will raise children who are more autonomous, more creative and happier.

Let’s see how.

Basic properties of the Montessori method

Before we explain how the Montessori method is used at home, we should first review a basic overview of this pedagogical approach. First of all, we need to understand the goals of this method.

A child’s mind has great potential

• Children learn every day, often without realizing it. The more stimuli, learning opportunities and experiences they are exposed to, the greater this potential will be.

• All children learn at their own pace, and we have to respect that.
• The best way for a child to learn is through joy. If your child feels happy, respected, safe and well cared for, he or she will be ready to absorb everything around him or her.

Sensitive periods

• Sensitive periods are the phases where the child can easily learn new skills. It is generally between 0 and 3 years, 4-6 years and 7-9 years.
• These are the best times when children learn to walk, talk, relate to others, be autonomous and more.

An appropriate environment

• The Montessori method requires a highly structured environment. The materials and places used must promote independent learning, discovery and growth.
• Places of learning must allow for the development of social, emotional, and intellectual abilities.

The role of adults

• The adults have an essential role within the Montessori philosophy. They must guide the child with love, respect and security. They must encourage them in a loving way to discover the world around them.

• As adults, we are observers, but we also need to be magicians. We help the child to connect with their environment. We strengthen them in their physical, emotional and intellectual development.

Strategies for applying the Montessori method at home

The first thing to keep in mind: children need to feel like they are part of the family and the home. This means that the little one must play their own role in every activity in the home.

We know it may sound strange, but to raise capable, independent children, there is nothing better than giving them different responsibilities. So do not be afraid to involve them in all activities as much as possible.

Let’s see how:

Furniture that suits them

• Furniture must be made especially for them. For example, a small dresser or shelf set will help them clean up their clothes and toys.
• A table and chair of their size allow them to be near you when reading or cooking.

The importance of structure and stimuli

A well-structured home with lots of stimulation will help children learn new things in the best possible way.

• Children need to understand that this structure should not be broken. Their room must be clean, their toys must be put away. Clothes should be in the closet and not on the floor.
• A home with stimuli is a place where they can learn every day. It is a good idea to have a garden where they can plant seeds and see how flowers grow.

• Make sure there is a corner where they can draw and paint, a corner for games, a place where they can cook with mom and dad. To avoid risks, let your child help you bake a cake or prepare a salad.

The best games at home

• The best games are the ones that are related to real life. To build, touch, smell, feel, make… these are everyday tasks that children must experience.
• The Montessori method recommends playing with puppets. They can help children learn to socialize and communicate.

The treasure chest

This idea is fun and practical. You can have a “treasure chest” in the living room for your child. This can be a wooden or cardboard box.

• Every day you need to put something new in it that your child can discover and interact with.

• Always choose objects that are stimulating and have bright colors.
• Avoid plastic items. Choose wood, clothing or other alternatives.
• You can also add foods so your child can try new flavors. If your child is learning to read, you can put loving notes in the box, which stimulates the reading process.

Whether you believe in the Montessori method or not, we are sure that these tips can help you as a parent.