Amazing things happen inside a Montessori classroom. At Austin Children’s Academy, your child will expand their social skills, learn how to understand and manage their emotions, develop a sense of confidence, learn their purpose, and thrive in their academics.
Preparing for a Montessori Education
It’s not always easy to know what to do to supplement your child’s Montessori education—especially if you’re new to the philosophy.
Here are six things to do to get your child ready for Austin Children’s Academy:
1. Emphasize healthy eating habits.
It’s very hard for a child to focus if they’re hungry or if they haven’t been eating a balanced diet. Before they leave the house, feed your child a nutritious breakfast. Every meal should be rich in lean protein (like chicken or turkey), greens, and fruit. Instead of juice or soda, make sure your child makes smart decisions regarding the drinks they choose—like milk or water.
Sugar intake should be kept pretty low, especially in the morning. If your child eats a sugary breakfast, the midday crash is going to be unpleasant for everyone—mostly them!
2. Maintain a sleep schedule
Young children benefit from stable, reliable, predictable boundaries. When children know what to expect, they feel secure, and this can help them develop self-discipline—which is something we concentrate on in Montessori school.
Adequate sleep is crucial for a child’s growing brain and emotional regulation. Both of these aspects are very important for a successful day at school, which is why good sleep is so necessary.
3. Teach independence
Teaching independence isn’t always easy, but a child’s success in school depends on their individual determination to meet their goals. Before you rush in and solve your child’s problems, give them a chance to figure out how to do it on their own. Offer support when it’s needed, but not before.
4. Encourage a strong work ethic
With self-discipline, persistence, and consistency emphasized at home, your child will succeed in a Montessori classroom. Foster their desire to work hard by assigning them household chores and inviting them to help when you’re cooking/gardening/feeding plants so the work is fun rather than dreaded.
5. Teach self-care habits
Teaching your child to care for themselves in positive, healthy ways gives them a high sense of self-value and encourages their emotional and mental well-being.
Here are a few things you can do to help your child care for themselves:
- Encourage them to handle things they can do on their own, like putting away toys.
- Supply their closet with clothes that they can dress in, like shoes with Velcro, pullover sweaters, or jeans with elastic waistbands.
- Prepare school lunches that are easy for your child to eat on their own.
6. Encourage social interactions
Encouraging your child to participate in social interactions outside of school helps mold their social skills and allows them to feel more secure in social settings. Encourage social interactions by doing the following:
- Schedule regular playdates with friends.
- Enroll them in after-school activities or enrichment programs like art classes or sports.
When you drop your child off, keep the goodbye short and sweet, then make a point to be on time when you pick them up. If your child has trouble being separated from you, this will show them that you always come back.
Succeeding in Montessori School
At Austin Children’s Academy, it’s our goal to help every child succeed in a Montessori environment. To learn more about our classrooms or to schedule a tour, reach out to us today.
